By most accounts, the relationship between the Cincinnati Bengals and defensive end Trey Hendrickson is over.
One insider said the relationship between Hendrickson and the Bengals has “run its course.” Another insider mentioned that the bridge was set on fire.
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Fair enough, but football is still football, which is to say unpredictable. Pro Football Network’s Ryan Guthrie made this prediction, sending Hendrickson to the Dallas Cowboys, which speaks volumes about his value:
“Hendrickson made four straight Pro Bowls in Cincinnati and had 17-plus sacks in two straight seasons early in his career. Even in a statistically down year (four sacks), he posted an elite 86.4 grade and ranked 12th in the PFSN NFL EDGE impact metric. The Cowboys need that consistency.”
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What is one of the Bengals’ top needs this offseason? A rusher who could complement former first-rounders Seamus Stewart and Myles Murphy.
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Who is one of the best edge rushers in the NFL currently signed by the Bengals?
Trey Hendrickson.
When the Bengals and Hendrickson re-signed before last season, the contract reportedly did not include a no-tag clause. They could apply the franchise tag for about the same price as his salary last year.
Is it completely practical? Maybe not. They need to spread their cap space. He is 31 years old and has just been injured. But those last two points may also help Hendrickson have a bad free agent market, so maybe a reunion could end up being the best path for both parties.
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Of course, maybe things are totally on fire between Hendrickson and the Bengals. But it’s hard not to read all the projections and national analysis and not think he still sounds like exactly what the Bengals need.
Related: The Bengals’ most regressed player in 2025
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Trae Hendrickson free agent prediction: Bengals’ selection won’t be easy
