Cincinnati Bengals edge defender Trey Hendrickson has been fighting for a long-term contract for years, and that battle could continue throughout the offseason. After an offseason worth of drama, Hendrickson and the Bengals agreed to a revised one-year deal that would make him a free agent at the end of the 2025 season. The 31-year-old held up his end of the bargain, recording four sacks in seven games before injuries cost him the back half of the season.

While he’s currently scheduled to be a free agent, there is a decent chance he doesn’t reach the open market. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, the Bengals are considering using the franchise tag on Trey Hendrickson, which would mean another offseason of contract disputes.

Trey Hendrickson Contract Update: Bengals Could Use Franchise Tag On Pro Bowler

While his 2025 season left something to be desired, Hendrickson is just one season removed from leading the league with 17.5 sacks. Now entering his age-32 season, this could be his last chance to receive a long-term deal, so it’s hard to imagine him playing under the franchise tag.

The Bengals clearly do not want to make a long-term investment in Hendrickson, but they also don’t want to lose his services without any type of compensation. Cincinnati historically tries to avoid trading players for draft picks, but it may not have a choice this time around. The Bengals won’t give Trey Hendrickson a long-term contract, but these three teams could.

Possible Fits
Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers made the playoffs in the first two seasons of the Jim Harbaugh Era, but they must do something to finally earn a playoff win next year. While re-signing Odafe Oweh should be the team’s top priority, they still could use another pass rusher. Pairing Oweh with Trey Hendrickson would give this team an elite pass rush, and they have enough cap space to give Hendrickson a long-term contract and still address the offensive line.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off a disastrous season, but they have the talent to turn it around quickly under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur. While nobody expects them to win the Super Bowl next year, they have intriguing players in Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr. However, they need more help on the defensive side of the ball, and Trey Hendrickson could be the man for the job. Adding a legitimate pass rushing threat should help this team compete in a loaded NFC West.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers made the playoffs last year, but they’ll need to add some talent if they want to repeat that feat in 2026. While second-round pick Nic Scourton showed some promise as a rookie, this team needs a proven option like Trey Hendrickson to boost the pass rush. Most of Carolina’s core players are returning in 2026, so now is the time to go all-in and try to build a roster capable of sustaining a deep playoff run.

 

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