Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals' star pass rusher, is likely done for the 2025 season after undergoing core muscle surgery, with Cincinnati out of playoff contention at 4-9. Hendrickson's surgery may signal the end of his tenure with the team, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. His future remains uncertain following past trade requests and a lack of contract extension from the Bengals. Several NFL teams, including the Colts and Raiders, could be potential destinations for Hendrickson as they seek to bolster their defensive lines.

By the Numbers
  • Cincinnati Bengals record: 4-9
  • Hendrickson's projected recovery time: 6 weeks
  • Colts' pressure rate: 33.5% (23rd in NFL)
  • Raiders' projected cap space: $107.1 million (2nd most in NFL)
State of Play
  • Cincinnati Bengals unlikely to extend Hendrickson before free agency.
  • Several teams with ample cap space are targeting improvement on their defensive lines.
  • Hendrickson's injury occurring with playoffs out of reach heightens likelihood of leaving.
What's Next

Expect increased speculation around Hendrickson's landing spots in the upcoming free agency period, particularly with teams like the Colts, Raiders, and Ravens potentially interested in his services. The ongoing quarterback issues for multiple teams may shift priorities in their offseason strategies.

Bottom Line

With significant uncertainty surrounding his future in Cincinnati, teams poised to compete for the 2026 season may view Trey Hendrickson as a valuable asset to enhance their pass-rushing capabilities. His potential exit could reshape defensive strategies in the AFC and beyond.