Overview
- ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the prevailing expectation is that Cincinnati will not franchise-tag Trey Hendrickson.
- The franchise-tag window closes Tuesday, March 3, with Fowler noting a late reversal remains possible though unlikely.
- A standard tag would cost roughly $30 million this season, which has contributed to league-wide surprise at the idea of tagging him.
- If he reaches free agency, Hendrickson is expected to draw strong interest after four Pro Bowls with Cincinnati, two 17.5-sack seasons and 61 sacks over five years.
- Reporting indicates the Bengals are prepared to lean on Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart while exploring other pass-rush options, with a compensatory pick possible if Hendrickson departs.