Cincinnati Bengals Star Named Top 2026 NFL Free Agent

A fitting placement for the star mauler.

Jul 23, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A general view of a Cincinnati Bengals helmet during training camp at Kettering Health Practice Field. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — The Trey Hendrickson contract saga could continue for the Bengals this offseason, especially with him still playing great football at Age 31. ESPN named him the top free agent on the market ahead of the 2026 free agency frenzy.

Hendrickson has missed the past couple of games due to injury, but has been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL this whole decade.

"Hendrickson is a relentless defender off the edge with a deep toolbox of counters and a knack for making plays late in the down," Matt Bowen wrote. "Hendrickson has four sacks this season, and his 17.5 sacks and 65 pressures in 2024 were both league highs. He would be an immediate upgrade for just about any team."

Jeremy Fowler noted the veteran's got a "steep" franchise tag number at $36 million.

"Rarely does an elite pass rusher hit free agency," Fowler wrote. "The Bengals have the option to franchise-tag Hendrickson at around $36 million. That's steep for a team in transition, but it could be a way to facilitate a sign-and-trade. Seven pass rushers make at least $34 million per year, and Hendrickson could become the next one."

Cincinnati could let Hendrickson walk and get a nice compensatory draft pick in return, but that would require them to have a replacement ready for him on the roster. They lose that pick if they match his exit with a strong edge rusher off the street, and no one in the Bengals' defensive end group has shown flashes of being a top-end edge rusher this season.

The Bengals haven't drafted a defensive Pro Bowler since selecting Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap 15 years ago.

It won't be surprising if Hendrickson's contract disputes continue via a 2026 franchise tag.

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