Bengals Lose Trey Hendrickson to Free Agency

0:00You're listening to NFL News Today, subscribe now for fast daily updates on your team. The Cincinnati Bengals have decided not to use the franchise tag on edge rusher Trey Hendrickson or trade him before Tuesday's 4 p.m. Eastern. Deadline League sources say he's now a free agent, able to sign with any team starting next week. This ends a rocky 5 year run with the Bengals, where Hendrickson signed extensions and took raises but always pushed for free agency. The team never offered a long term deal, knowing he turns 32 in December and wanting to avoid big money into his mid 30s. Hendrickson brings elite production to the market, with 17 and a half sacks in each of his last two full seasons and a runner-up finish for. Defensive player of the year in 2024. He missed time this year after core muscle surgery, but remains the top free agent available. The Bengals tried trading him multiple times last season without success, as no team met their price amid his age, injury, and a crowded edge rusher.

1:00Field. Their de facto general manager called it a complicated choice at the scouting combine. Cincinnati hopes to land a compensatory draft pick in 2027, possibly a third-rounder, depending on where Hendrickson signs and their first time. Even free agency moves. He leaves with 61 sacks in 72 games, 4 pro bow nods, and $94 million from the team. A message from our sponsor supports today's story. What is cooler than cool? A pillow that plays your sound. S-O-L-I-SOL-Pillow.com