Trey Hendrickson rumors are bad news for Cowboys, Packers and 49ers

The expectation has been that Trey Hendrickson has no desire to return to the Cincinnati Bengals, and for good reason.

That's because the Bengals have failed to give Hendrickson the payday he deserves after he cemented himself as one of the league's best edge rushers.

But that doesn't mean the Bengals are simply going to let Hendrickson walk in free agency, as the team could opt to use the franchise tag as a last-ditch effort to keep him, or they could tag and trade the four-time Pro Bowler.

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the franchise tag is on the table for the Bengals when it comes to Hendrickson. Garafolo adds that all options are on the table for Cincinnati, including keeping Hendrickson.

"The Bengals are still considering using the franchise tag," Garafolo reported. "Now, could it be a tag and trade possibility? Perhaps."

"Sounds like all options are on the table for Hendrickson right now, but it is not a foregone conclusion that his time in Cincinnati is over," Garafolo added.

This obviously isn't great news for potential Hendrickson suitors. Even if he doesn't return to Cincinnati, the franchise tag would require suitors to give up draft capital to acquire him before paying Hendrickson a hefty sum of money.

That creates a major extra step in any pursuit of one the league's best edge rushers.

Three teams that could be interested in Hendrickson are the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers.

The Niners had the fewest sacks in the NFL last season and need more help for Joey Bosa, who is also coming back from a torn ACL.

The Cowboys' pass-rush has suffered mightily since the trade of Micah Parsons to the Packers and, like the 49ers, Dallas reportedly had interest in a trade for Hendrickson before the deadline.

How big the Packers go to address edge rusher will depend upon Rashan Gary, who is a cut candidate this offseason. If Gary gets the boot, we could see Green Bay making a play for Hendrickson.

While having to trade for Hendrickson wouldn't be ideal, he is the caliber of player worth making a hefty investment in, as his ability to get after the quarterback can change the face of a defense.

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