Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s rocky relationship with the Cincinnati Bengals appears headed for a breakup. With Hendrickson set to become a free agent this offseason after nearly a year of contract disputes, his next destination could be elsewhere in the AFC.
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe recently shared his doubts about Hendrickson and the Bengals putting aside their differences and agreeing to a new extension.
“From what I understand, a team source told me he figures it’s unlikely for these two sides to reunite going into next season,” Wolfe said. “What does that mean? Do the Bengals let him go in free agency? Do they try to slap the franchise tag on him and trade him? A difficult decision for Cincy because their relationship has not been great in recent weeks.”
If Hendrickson does become a free agent, Wolfe pointed to the Indianapolis Colts as a team to watch, citing former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo now holding the same position with the Colts. The Colts also hired Marion Hobby as their defensive line coach. Hobby and Hendrickson worked together for four seasons.
“They’re going to be aggressive in trying to get him if he does reach the market or even if it’s a sign-and-trade,” Wolfe said. “It could be a big splash move for the Indianapolis Colts, and for Cincinnati, they’re going to look at a lot more volume pickups on defense to get better with a group that just wasn’t good enough to compete in 2025.”
Hendrickson, 31, is a former All-Pro and has been named to the Pro Bowl four times. Last offseason, Hendrickson requested a trade, wanting to be among the top-paid edge rushers in the league. He and the Bengals agreed to a revised contract instead.
Hendrickson was in and out of the lineup in 2025 and he eventually was shut down for the season because of a core muscle injury. In the seven games he did play, Hendrickson finished with four sacks, eight quarterback hits, 16 tackles, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble.