The Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t get things done with Trey Hendrickson for a long time. Finally, they made it work . Now, the question begs: Can the Bengals franchise tag Hendrickson after the 2025 season?

It looks like it would be difficult , according to a post on X by Jordan Schultz.

“My understanding is the #Bengals did not give Trey Hendrickson a no-tag clause in his new 1-year, $30M deal. That said, the numbers likely make it difficult for Cincinnati to use the franchise tag regardless. So Hendrickson is expected to be a FA in 2026.”

So perhaps the NFL will be forced to revisit the Hendrickson drama next year.

Bengals may have short window with DE Trey Hendrickson

The rich 2025 deal works well for Hendrickson, according to USA Today.

“He is $14 million richer this season —

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