Although he played in seven games for Cincinnati, Hendrickson’s participation in 2025 was once far from guaranteed. After consecutive 17.5-sack seasons and a lucrative offseason for other stars on the edge, Hendrickson sought a deal that rewarded his production and moved his compensation closer to the likes of Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett and TJ Watt.
Cincinnati refused to extend the season, leading to a long-running relationship dispute entering the 2025 season, a conflict that was resolved only by a contract renegotiation for the final year of his contract. In short, Hendrickson accepted a raise while admitting he didn’t get the long-term security he sought.
Months later, the value of such security has never been more apparent.
Hendrickson’s recent struggles with the Bengals and Cincinnati’s tight budget suggest he’s likely headed elsewhere as a free agent in 2026. The Bengals could sign him, but that would be a price that could be too much for a team that’s dedicating a significant portion of its game to a quarterback and two-star receiver.
If this is it for Hendrickson in Cincinnati, he will finish his time with the Bengals with 61 sacks, four Pro Bowl trips and a first-team All-Pro selection (2024) in five seasons. He will also likely be in significant demand on the open market in March if the Bengals let him walk.