Trey Hendrickson is set to hit free agency after a lengthy feud with the Cincinnati Bengals over multiple offseasons. The Bengals decided on March 3 that they would not franchise-trade the star pass rusher ahead of the 4 p.m. ET deadline, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.
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The tag will cost Cincinnati $30.2 million through 2026.
It ends a time in Cincinnati that included multiple trade requests and a dispute that turned ugly in public last offseason.
Hendrickson originally signed with the Bengals on March 15, 2021, when he signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the New Orleans Saints at age 26 and had 13.5 sacks during the season. He later signed a one-year, $21 million contract extension in 2023, saying he wanted to stay with the Bengals.
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The star has been looking for a long-term deal that the Bengals never seemed willing to offer, especially after signing some big-money extensions with Jamaal Chase, Ty Higgins and Joe Burrow. The Bengals have never been known for having deep pockets or at least a willingness to spend money, which sparked a feud that began to fester in 2024.
He eventually returned to the team and requested a trade for a second time in March 2025. This time, the Bengals allowed him to look for work elsewhere.
Comments from Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn were a turning point that made the situation personal.
“I think he should be happy to some extent, but maybe he doesn’t think he’s going to be happy,” Blackburn said, via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “I think it’s his responsibility to be happy at some point, and if he’s not happy, you know, that sometimes hinders his happiness. So, you know, he needs to say yes to something, and we have a lot of respect for him. He’s a great player. We’re excited to have him. So maybe we’ll find a way to make things work. We’ll just see where it goes.”
Hendrickson responded a day later on “The Pat McAfee Show.” On May 13, 2025, he told reporters at an impromptu press conference that he was unwilling to play for the Bengals under his current contract.
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He ultimately reported to training camp without a new deal, but ultimately agreed to a raise on Aug. 25, 2025.
Now, the pass rusher will head to free agency, where he can choose his next team for the first time in a long time.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trae Hendrickson reportedly won’t get franchise tag from Bengals
