Hendrickson's Top Free Agent Status Sparks Bidding War

0:00This is Cory with NFL News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. Cincinnati Bengal star-passed Russia-Trey Hendrickson is set to head free agency this off-season. The team chose not to use the franchise tag on him for a second straight year after a tense situation last season where he played under it anyway. Hendrickson dominated with 17 and a half sacks in both 2024 and 2023, leading the league each time. Even with injuries limiting him in 2025, Hendrickson remains the top free agent at his position. Teams crave players who rack up sacks and pressures to anchor their defenses and he fits that mold perfectly. Expect a bidding war as clubs look to upgrade their front lines. The Indianapolis Colts stand out as a strong fit. They rank 15th and sacks last year but generated plenty of pressures without finishing drives. Having Hendrickson, with Lai Tu Latu and DeForest Buckner, could terrify offenses. Plus, their defensive coordinator, Liu Anirumo, coached him in Cincinnati making the transition

1:04smooth. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans have massive caps-based authority at Hendrickson. They need pass rush Jews badly and could overpay to lure him. New coach Robert Salah brings proven defensive schemes from San Francisco, though the team is not a playoff contender yet. The Detroit Lions offer a super bowl chase but face cap hurdles. They would need Hendrickson to take a discount to join Aiden Hutchinson on that stacked defense. It is a long shot financially, yet the winning potential makes it tempting for a veteran like him. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode. Some chase piece, I put my head in it, S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com.