Story byJason Williams, Cincinnati EnquirerFri, February 13, 2026 at 5:25 AM UTC·3 min readAhh, the peace and quiet of the Cincinnati Bengals offseason has been wonderful. Quietest January and February for the Bengals in a long time, after all the contract drama surrounding Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson and off-the-field issues with Joe Mixon and Jermaine Burton to start recent calendar years. For once, there appears to be no concerns about a star player holding out in preseason practices. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd yet the issue of Hendrickson's future is looming, ready to create unnecessary drama at any moment. It seems there may be differing opinions amid Bengals decision makers about whether to bring back high-maintenance Hendrickson, the aging Pro Bowl edge rusher coming off playing just seven games before he opted to have season-ending surgery. The future of defensive end Trey Hendrickson (left) is among the things on the front burner for director of player personnel Duke Tobin (right) and the front office this offseason. This should be a layup for the Bengals. Move on. Let Hendrickson walk as a free agent or slap the franchise tag on him solely with the intention of trading him this offseason.