The Buccaneers could land the NFL's top free agent pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson, potentially bolstering their defense significantly.
The best player on the free agent market could be in play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler surmised Sunday it would "be a mild surprise" if Trey Hendrickson is franchise-tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals, since that would cost the team more than $30 million.
Fowler asserts the relationship between the Bengals and Hendrickson "has essentially run its course."
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported Sunday the Bengals are considering tagging Hendrickson, but even if that happens, the team could still move him with a sign-and-trade
Rapaport suggested plenty of teams should look at Hendrickson and he name-checked the Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts. Free agency doesn’t open until March 11, so Hendrickson's preferred destination is unknowable for now.
But Tampa Bay might have a good chance to lure him out of Cincinnati.
The Cowboys have less cap room than all but four teams, and although the Colts have the 10th most cap room, Indy’s QB, Daniel Jones, is a free agent, as is 1,000-yard receiver Alec Pierce.
It’s hard to see the Colts keeping those two and adding Hendrickson.
It’s unclear what the Bucs will prioritize in free agency, but the team sure could use Hendrickson -- though the salary-cap numbers may not be on their side.
The market value for Hendrickson is $51 million over two years, according to Sportac. Tampa Bay has a projected available salary cap of $14.5 million for 2026, which makes it seem unlikely the Bucs will take Fowler up on his advise.
This past season, Tampa didn’t have depth on the edge behind YaYa Diaby, who led the team with seven sacks. Hendrickson had 17.5 each in 2023 and 2024, finishing second to T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 and leading the league in ‘24, earning first-team All-Pro honors that season.
He only had four sacks this season, but that was because he missed nine games due to injury.
Hendrickson’s health and age are something teams must consider when evaluating him, and in Tampa’s case, a recent experience might concern some people.
The Bucs signed a former All-Pro to play on the edge last offseason in Haason Reddick, and if that signing worked out, the Bucs wouldn’t be in need of edge help.
But the difference between Hendrickson and Reddick is that Reddick was already in decline when the Bucs signed him, having just one sack with the New York Jets in 2024.
Hendrickson had the season of his life in 2024, and didn’t have a fair chance replicate that season this year.
Something the Bucs might have going for them if they want Hendrickson is geography.
Hendrickson grew up outside of Orlando, although he hasn’t said he grew up rooting for the Buccaneers.
ㅤ
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!