The post Why the Bengals should prioritize Joe Flacco over Trey Hendrickson in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of work to do on defense this offseason. The needs at pass rusher are huge, linebackers are a must, there’s a need inside the defensive line, cornerbacks need help and the safe room needs an overhaul.
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The defense needs every position. Led by Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals have several departing free agents who can focus on defense in the 2026 free agent class.
But, as CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles writes, the Bengals should not focus on Hendrickson and instead prioritize Joe Flacco as their top free agent this offseason. Why? As seen in 2025, the Bengals cannot enter 2026 without a plan for a backup quarterback.
Bengals urged to re-sign Joe Flacco over Trey Hendrickson
“The Bengals know full well that backup quarterback is a vital role, and they’ll be happy to turn to Flacco, even if it’s just for a few games or a few drives,” Pereles wrote.
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As Pereles noted, while Cincinnati may choose to try to bring Hendrickson back this offseason, Hendrickson “almost certainly will be gone.”
After Hendrickson, there are few Bengals outgoing free agents better than Flacco, and both Joseph Osei and Geno Stone are replaceable. Flacco has few replacements this offseason.
After losing Joe Burrow for some time in 2025, Jake Browning struggled mightily. Flacco’s appearance stabilized the offense, and if it weren’t for the poor defensive performance, they could have won a few more games.
more: Trae Hendrickson’s contract expected to be worth $50M, Bengals get good news
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Flacco, 41, is a Pro Bowler, Super Bowl champion and plans to play at least one more season. 2026 will be his 19th season in the NFL, and the Bengals should ensure that 19th season takes place in Cincinnati.
Keeping Flacco in Cincinnati should be a top priority given Burrow’s injury history. While there are other reliable backup quarterbacks set to hit free agency, Flacco is already familiar with the team and would be an easier solution to the backup quarterback problem.
Hendrickson’s departure may also give the Bengals a solid compensatory draft pick, while Flacco may not. Re-signing Flacco and walking Hendrickson to bring home a third- or fourth-round compensatory pick should be what the Bengals do this offseason.