The Bengals Let Go of a Sack Master, and Now the NFL is Taking Notice.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals decided not to franchise tag Trey Hendrickson before Tuesday’s deadline, effectively ending his time with the team. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite Hendrickson leading the league in sacks (17.5) in 2024 and racking up 39 sacks in his last 41 games, the Bengals let him walk. Why? And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just about his performance—it was about the team’s long-term strategy, or lack thereof.
Hendrickson himself confirmed the news with an emotional goodbye on social media shortly after the deadline, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. The irony? The Bengals desperately need a pass rush, yet they’ve let one of the league’s most dominant edge rushers slip away. Now, Hendrickson is poised to become the No. 1 free agent, with experts like Matt Bowen praising his relentless style and ability to make game-changing plays late in the down. Bowen even went as far as saying Hendrickson could instantly elevate any team’s defensive line.
But here’s the real question: Did the Bengals botch this decision? They signed Hendrickson to a four-year, $60 million deal in 2021, followed by a one-year extension and a reworked contract last year. Yet, they failed to secure him long-term, leaving the door open for his departure. Critics argue the Bengals should have either locked him down last offseason or traded him before free agency. Instead, they’re left with nothing but regrets—and possibly no compensatory pick to show for it.
Speaking of compensatory picks, here’s the kicker: the Bengals are expected to be major players in free agency this year, targeting names like Odafe Oweh, Bryan Cook, and Joey Bosa. The problem? The compensatory pick formula depends on the balance between free agents signed and lost. If the Bengals spend big, as they should, they’ll likely forfeit any chance at a pick, even after losing the NFL’s top free agent. It’s a lose-lose situation they could have avoided.
So, what do you think? Did the Bengals make a colossal mistake, or is this a necessary step for their future? Let us know in the comments below. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and check out our podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Amazon for more in-depth analysis on this blockbuster move.
