Why Bengals should prioritize Joe Flacco over Trey Hendrickson in free agency

Why Bengals should prioritize Joe Flacco over Trey Hendrickson in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of work to do with the defensive side of the ball. There is a huge need at pass rusher, linebacker is a must, interior of the defensive line is a need, the cornerbacks could use help, and the safety room needs major overhauling.

Every position is needed on the defensive side of the ball. With a few outgoing free agents, led by Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals could focus on the defensive side of the ball from their 2026 free agent class.

But, as CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles writes, the Bengals shouldn’t focus on Hendrickson, and instead should prioritize Joe Flacco as their top free agent this offseason. Why? As seen in 2025, the Bengals can’t go into 2026 without a plan at backup quarterback.

Bengals urged to re-sign Joe Flacco over Trey Hendrickson

“The Bengals know all too well that backup quarterback is a crucial role, and even if it’s for just a few games or a few drives, they’d appreciate being able to turn to Flacco,” Pereles writes.

While Cincinnati could elect to try to bring back Hendrickson this offseason, as Pereles notes, Hendrickson “is almost certainly gone.”

There’s little after Hendrickson among the Bengals’ outgoing free agents who are better than Flacco, with Joseph Ossai and Geno Stone both being replaceable. Flacco isn’t nearly as replaceable this offseason.

After losing Joe Burrow for a period of time in 2025, Jake Browning struggled to a massive degree. Flacco came in, stabilized the offense, and if it weren’t for poor defensive play, they would’ve had a few extra wins.

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Flacco is 41 years old, is a Pro Bowler, Super Bowl champion, and is planning to play for at least one more season. The 2026 season will be his 19th in the NFL, and the Bengals should make sure that 19th season is in Cincinnati.

With Burrow’s injury history, keeping Flacco in Cincinnati should be a huge priority. While there are other solid backup quarterbacks set to be free agents, Flacco is already familiar with the team and would be a much simpler solution to the backup QB problem.

Hendrickson departing would also likely net the Bengals a solid compensatory draft pick, whereas Flacco might not. Re-signing Flacco and letting Hendrickson walk to bring home a 3rd or 4th round compensatory pick should be what the Bengals do this offseason.