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Bengals Face Deadline on Hendrickson's Franchise Tag Decision

2/18/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson faces a March 3 deadline to decide on a franchise tag.
A tag would be about $30.2 million and could limit the Bengals' financial flexibility.
If the Bengals do not tag him, they risk losing Hendrickson without compensation.
Hendrickson, 31, led the NFL in sacks in 2024.
Hendrickson seeks a long-term contract despite a strained relationship with the Bengals.

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Story summary

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson faces a March 3 deadline to decide on a franchise tag.
A tag would be about $30.2 million and could limit the Bengals' financial flexibility.
If the Bengals do not tag him, they risk losing Hendrickson without compensation.
Hendrickson, 31, led the NFL in sacks in 2024.
Hendrickson seeks a long-term contract despite a strained relationship with the Bengals.