Bengals considering using franchise tag on Trey Hendrickson, per report
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 02: Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks across the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Paycor Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesTrey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals have gone through their fair share of contract drama.
But, contrary to what many believe, the two sides might still be open to a reunion.
According to the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the star pass rusher could still get tagged by the Bengals. Here's what the NFL insider said on NFL GameDay":
Our understanding is that the Bengals are still considering using the franchise tag. Now, could it be a tag and trade possibility? Perhaps. Sounds like all options are on the table for Hendrickson right now, but it is not a foregone conclusion that his time in Cincinnati is over. We will track this as we get into the scouting combine and then closer to the start of free agency in March," said Rapoport.
The Bengals have a few options here, but time is of the essence. If they want to put the best team together this offseason, they will need to either commit to signing Hendrickson to a long-term deal or move on from him early enough to take advantage of other opportunities.
So it's time for Duke Tobin and the front office to put their money where their mouth is if they're serious about competing and be decisive about Hendrickson.
What they simply cannot get away with is dragging the process out, missing out on quality free agents, then signing middling veterans to use just enough cap space to convince fans they're a serious franchise.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo, and @JudyBattista: #Colts plan to open talks for Daniel Jones; #Bengals could franchise tag Trey Hendrickson; #Giants QB Russell Wilson's future; #Cowboys will tag George Pickens, but could trade him. pic.twitter.com/R5lcNyorZY
- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026