The Cincinnati Bengals possess ample cap space with which to work in 2026. The key question: Will it be used on Trey Hendrickson or elsewhere?Â
As of March 3, Cincinnati owns $47.7 million in cap space and $40.6 million in effective cap room. The latter figure is measured after a team signs 51 players and its rookie class.Â
Only six other NFL franchises possess more cap space than the Bengals. Additionally, Cincinnati could add to that room with $52.5 million in simple contract restructures.
Bengals Free Agents 2026: Will Trey Hendrickson Re-Sign?Â
Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson qualifies as the Bengals’ marquee free agent. If the team tries to re-sign him, it would likely eat up a significant chunk of their 2026 cap space.Â
Other notable free agents for Cincinnati include fellow edge rusher Joseph Ossai and safety Geno Stone.Â
Presumably, Cincinnati may elect for alternatives given its poor defensive record last year. Cincinnati finished 30th in defensive DVOA last year after placing 27th in 2024.Â
Last season, Stone finished 57th of 67 in PFF’s highest graded safeties (min. 50% of snaps). Ossai, amongst NFL edge rushers, ranked 47th of 63rd in pressure grading.Â
If Hendrickson leaves, expect the Bengals to target a couple of defensive pieces to try to improve the unit.Â
One area where the Bengals will need to spend is quarterback depth. Both Joe Flacco and Jake Browning are set to hit free agency this season, with neither re-signed to Cincinnati’s roster.Â
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