Feb. 14, 2026, 12:04 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Despite reports suggesting a franchise tag could be in play<\/a>, the relationship between the Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> and Trey Hendrickson remains very much up for debate.\u00a0<\/p>\n Now, a new report says things haven\u2019t been great between the Bengals<\/a> and Hendrickson recently, which might hint at things going on behind the scenes.\u00a0<\/p>\n During a weekend appearance, NFL Network\u2019s Cameron Wolfe<\/a> suggested the souring of things and one team to watch for Hendrickson.<\/p>\n \u201cDifficult decision for Cincy,\u201d Wolfe said. \u201cTheir relationship has not been great in recent weeks. And I\u2019m told if this deal does end up happening, free-agency-wise, keep an eye on the Indianapolis Colts.\u00a0<\/p>\n RELATED:6 Bengals veterans who won\u2019t be on Zac Taylor\u2019s roster next year<\/a><\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Wolfe noted that the Colts might even be willing to do a tag-and-trade for Hendrickson, should the Bengals go that route.\u00a0<\/p>\n Those Colts remain the most obvious spot possible for Hendrickson. Former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is there. The Colts also just hired another former Bengals coach<\/a> who has close ties to him.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Bengals have some leverage over Hendrickson and a reunion could make sense if he has a poor market. But the franchise could just as easily be done with the whole thing, and given the contract standoffs of the last few years, it would be hard to blame them.<\/p>\n