The NFL free agency period is less than a month away. With over $50 million in available cap space, the Cincinnati Bengals have the necessary resources to be aggressive in retooling the roster. After re-signing defensive back Jalen Davis, the Bengals have 14 upcoming free agents.

The biggest free agent the Bengals have is pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. In five seasons with Cincinnati, Hendrickson has totaled 61 sacks and been selected to the Pro Bowl four times. He signed a four-year deal with the Bengals prior to the 2020 season, and was then extended for one more season in 2023. However, during the 2024 offseason, Hendrickson tried to negotiate another extension, which the Bengals declined.

That resulted in Cincinnati allowing him to seek a trade prior to the 2025 season. When a trade partner was not found, the Bengals renegotiated his contract, which resulted in a one-year, $29 million deal for Hendrickson. Now, Hendrickson is set to hit free agency and reports suggest he will not return to Cincinnati. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote, “This relationship has run its course. The Bengals have the option to franchise tag Hendrickson, but after a year of contentious contract negotiations, the edge rusher appears poised to land elsewhere and capitalize on a booming positional market.”

Trey Hendrickson Predicted to Join Bengals Rival

While losing Hendrickson seems to be inevitable, Bleacher Report writer Alex Kay predicted the worst scenario for Bengals fans happening. He listed the Baltimore Ravens as the ideal landing spot for Hendrickson. Kay wrote, “Landing with one of Cincy’s fierce AFC North rivals could be exactly what Hendrickson needs to rejuvenate his career. The Baltimore Ravens make perfect sense for the 31-year-old to sign with and could help him quickly return to superstar form. Baltimore mustered a meager 30 sacks in 2025—a 24-sack drop-off from the previous season—and lacked a difference-maker on the edge.”

Sports Illustrated writer Zach Pressnell described the situation as a “nightmare.” He wrote, “Losing him is going to be tough enough, but having to play him in a heated division rivalry for the next few years would be a disaster.” However, Pressnell also noted that Bleacher Report’s projection of a two-year, $40 million deal was likely wrong as he expected Hendrickson to be closer to $30 million per year.

Cincinnati Bengals Franchise Tag

Another option the Bengals have is applying the franchise tag on Hendrickson. Cincinnati previously used the tag for two seasons on wide receiver Tee Higgins, before they ended up agreeing on a contract extension prior to the 2025 season.

However, ESPN writer Ben Baby said using the tag on Hendrickson is not a “viable option.” He wrote, “Hendrickson would make $30.2 million on the franchise tag based off salary for last season. As soon as the tag is placed on Hendrickson, he can accept it immediately and lock in that amount as fully guaranteed. With Hendrickson turning 32 next season and coming off an injury-shortened 2025, that could be more guaranteed money than he would receive on the open market.”