The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2026 offseason facing difficult questions after another disappointing campaign. Cincinnati finished the 2025 season with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs for the third straight year, while the defense ranked near the bottom of the league in multiple categories.

A major part of that defensive identity for the past several seasons was edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Since arriving in Cincinnati in 2021, Hendrickson became one of the NFL’s most productive pass rushers. He earned four Pro Bowl selections from 2021-24 and was named a First-Team All-Pro after leading the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024.

However, the relationship between Hendrickson and the Bengals deteriorated over time due to a prolonged contract dispute. After restructuring his deal in 2025 to end a holdout, the veteran pass rusher was set to become a free agent in 2026. Cincinnati ultimately declined to place the franchise tag on him ahead of the deadline, meaning the four-time Pro Bowler will hit the open market and likely depart the franchise after five seasons.

For the Bengals, losing Hendrickson without compensation is a major setback.

The most immediate consequence of Hendrickson’s departure is the void it leaves in Cincinnati’s pass rush. Even in a shortened 2025 season, Hendrickson recorded four sacks and eight quarterback hits in just seven games before undergoing core muscle surgery that ended his year early.

While those numbers may appear modest, they do not reflect his overall impact. Entering 2025, Hendrickson had recorded 35 sacks over the previous two seasons, one of the highest totals in the NFL during that stretch.

Without him, Cincinnati loses its most consistent edge threat. That could place added pressure on players such as Joseph Ossai and the rest of the defensive line to generate pressure. Ossai showed flashes in recent seasons, including a career-high five sacks in 2024, but he has yet to prove he can anchor the pass rush as a full-time starter.

The Bengals’ defense already struggled mightily in 2025, and losing their top pass rusher only amplifies the urgency to rebuild the unit.

With Hendrickson gone, the Bengals’ biggest need entering the 2026 NFL Draft is clear: edge rusher. Cincinnati, who holds eight draft picks, including the 10th overall, must find a young defensive playmaker who can immediately impact the pass rush.

Fortunately for Cincinnati, the 2026 NFL Draft class features several high-end edge rushing prospects who could step in and eventually anchor the defensive line.

Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. is widely viewed as one of the top defensive players in the class, known for his power, refined pass-rush moves and ability to generate consistent pressure off the edge. Texas Tech’s David Bailey also stands out after a highly productive season that included double-digit sacks and elite pressure numbers. Clemson’s T.J. Parker offers versatility and strong run defense, while Auburn’s Keldric Faulk brings size and positional flexibility along the defensive line.

Ultimately, losing Hendrickson without receiving trade compensation puts even more pressure on the Bengals’ front office to nail the upcoming draft and free agency period.

The team still possesses elite offensive talent, including Joe Burrow and star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but the defense has been the primary issue during their recent downturn. If Cincinnati hopes to return to playoff contention, rebuilding the defensive front will be one of the most critical priorities of the offseason.