The Cincinnati Bengals are moving on from Trey Hendrickson with a significant free agency investment. After Hendrickson signed a four-year, $112 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati landed former Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe on a three-year, $60 million contract. The team also added defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $26 million deal.

Hendrickson's departure marks the official end of an era for Cincinnati's pass rush. The Pro Bowl defender led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 and totaled 57 sacks between 2021-2024. His exit creates a massive void that Mafe and the new additions must fill. The Bengals had been preparing for this transition, drafting defensive ends Myles Murphy (2023) and Shemar Stewart (2025) in consecutive first rounds.

Mafe, who recorded 15 sacks combined in 2023-2024, believes he can provide the production Cincinnati needs. The 25-year-old ranked eighth in NFL pass rush win rate in 2025 but managed only two sacks. Allen brings interior pass rush experience after posting 3.5 sacks with Minnesota last season. With these moves, Cincinnati is betting on youth and athleticism to revitalize a defense that tied for 22nd in sacks last season.