Trey Hendrickson's Free Agency: Cowboys, Bears, and Bengals' Options

Why this matters: Hendrickson's decision will significantly impact several teams' defensive capabilities. For the Cowboys, he could be the missing piece to a Super Bowl-caliber defense. For the Bears, he represents a chance to add a proven veteran to their rebuilding efforts. For the Bengals, it marks the end of an era and the need to find a replacement for his production.

Background

Trey Hendrickson has been a dominant force for the Bengals, racking up 61 sacks in 72 games. However, his relationship with the team has been tumultuous, and he has desired to test free agency despite previous extensions. The Bengals were hesitant to commit to a long-term deal due to his age (31) and a recent injury that limited him to seven games in 2025.

Potential Destinations

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys are in dire need of edge rushing help and owner Jerry Jones has publicly stated a willingness to spend in free agency. Hendrickson could be a strong fit in their defensive scheme.

Chicago Bears: The Bears are also considered a potential landing spot. The Bears have the draft capital needed to rebuild quickly, but are currently over the cap limit, complicating any potential deal unless they restructure contracts or make other moves to free up cap space. Some analysts predict Hendrickson signing a $99 million deal.

Why the Bengals Didn't Tag-Trade

The Bengals explored trading Hendrickson but found it difficult to find a partner willing to meet both his contract demands and their desired compensation. His age and recent injury, combined with a strong market for edge rushers, made teams less willing to pay a premium.

Contract Projections

Spotrac estimates Hendrickson's value at a two-year, $51 million deal, while Pro Football Focus suggests a one-year, $21 million offer. The final contract will likely depend on the level of competition in the free agency market.

Impact on the Bengals

The Bengals will now need to find a replacement for Hendrickson's production. They may look to the draft or other free agents to fill the void. They also hope to receive a compensatory pick in the 2027 draft if Hendrickson signs a large contract elsewhere.

Why didn't the Bengals tag Trey Hendrickson?

The Bengals didn't tag Hendrickson because they were unsure if they could find a trade partner willing to meet his contract demands and their compensation requirements, especially given his age and injury history.

How much is Trey Hendrickson expected to earn in free agency?

Projections vary, but he could earn around $21-$25 million per year.

Which teams are most likely to sign Trey Hendrickson?

The Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears are among the teams most frequently mentioned as potential destinations.

Do you think Trey Hendrickson will sign with the Cowboys or the Bears? Let us know your prediction!

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