After a rollercoaster 2025 season, the Cincinnati Bengals have received some concerning news about their star edge rusher, Trey Hendrickson. While it seemed inevitable that Hendrickson would be leaving the Bengals in the upcoming 2026 offseason, a recent report has revealed the possibility of the team using the franchise tag on him. However, experts have warned the Bengals about taking this route and the potential consequences it could have.
Hendrickson has been a key player for the Bengals since joining the team in 2021. He quickly established himself as one of the most dominant edge rushers in the league, racking up 14.5 sacks in his first season with the team. His impressive performance continued in the 2025 season, where he recorded 13 sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. It’s no surprise that the Bengals were hoping to keep him on their roster for the long haul.
However, the recent report has thrown a wrench in their plans. According to sources, the Bengals have been considering using the franchise tag on Hendrickson, which would keep him on the team for one more year at a hefty price tag of $30 million. This news has come as a shock to many, as the team had previously expressed their intention to negotiate a long-term contract with Hendrickson.
While the franchise tag may seem like a good option on the surface, experts are cautioning the Bengals about the potential ramifications. For starters, the hefty price tag would significantly impact the team’s salary cap space, leaving them with less room to sign other key players. This could ultimately hurt the team’s chances of building a strong roster and competing for a championship.
Moreover, using the franchise tag on Hendrickson could also damage the relationship between the player and the team. Hendrickson has made it clear that he wants to stay with the Bengals, but he also wants to be fairly compensated for his contributions. Being franchise-tagged would mean that he would not have the security of a long-term contract and could potentially hold out for a better deal. This could create tension between Hendrickson and the team and affect his on-field performance.
There is also the possibility that the Bengals could lose Hendrickson altogether if they use the franchise tag on him. The tag only guarantees a player’s services for one year, and Hendrickson could choose to test the free-agent market in the following offseason. This would leave the Bengals with nothing to show for their hefty investment, and they would have to start rebuilding their defense once again.
Despite these warnings, the Bengals are still considering using the franchise tag on Hendrickson. It’s understandable why they would want to keep such a talented player on their team, but it’s important for them to carefully weigh their options and consider the long-term implications.
On the other hand, there is a glimmer of hope for Bengals fans. Hendrickson has made it clear that he wants to stay with the team, and negotiations for a long-term contract could still be on the table. The franchise tag deadline is still a few weeks away, giving the team enough time to work out a deal with Hendrickson and secure his services for the foreseeable future.
In the end, the Bengals are faced with a tough decision regarding Trey Hendrickson. As much as they want to keep him on the team, they must also consider the potential consequences of using the franchise tag. It’s a delicate balance between keeping a star player and maintaining a strong team dynamic and financial stability.
Fans can only hope that the Bengals make the right decision and find a way to keep Hendrickson on their roster for years to come. He has been a valuable asset to the team, and his contributions cannot be overlooked. As the franchise tag deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Cincinnati to see how they handle this situation and what the future holds for Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals.
