Trey Hendrickson Joins Ravens on Major Deal, Eyes Championship Glory

Trey Hendrickson Joins Ravens on Major Deal, Eyes Championship Glory

Shortly after the Maxx Crosby trade fell through, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta revealed plans for a formidable defense in 2026 featuring both Crosby and Trey Hendrickson. Within 24 hours of nixing the deal due to a failed physical, Hendrickson and Baltimore agreed to terms on a four-year, $112 million deal. Hendrickson expressed excitement about the potential of teaming up with Crosby, stating, "I was looking forward to rushing with him. Like what an incredible opportunity that would have been to have bookends like that terrorizing quarterbacks, getting running backs to the ground. That's what got me excited." Although he won't play alongside Crosby, Hendrickson joins a talented roster that includes Lamar Jackson, a two-time league MVP, and Derrick Henry, a future Hall of Famer. The Ravens' defense also boasts significant talent with players like Roquan Smith, Nnamdi Madubuike, Kyle Hamilton, and Marlon Humphrey. Additionally, Hendrickson reunites with Chidobe Awuzie, who played a pivotal role in the Cincinnati Bengals' unexpected run to the AFC Championship in 2021. The Bengals reached the AFC Championship game again in 2022 but faced playoff misses in the following years, largely due to contract issues with key defensive players. During his five seasons in Cincinnati, Hendrickson amassed 61 sacks and aims to bring that same impact to a Ravens team that finished with a disappointing 8-9 record last season. Reflecting on his time with the Bengals, he said, "When I look back, maybe I'll be more appreciative of how special that team was. But right now I'm on the hunt for one thing and that's to win it all. I'm incredibly blessed to be in an opportunity representing organizations that have done it. I'm excited to be a part of something that there is potential." Hendrickson highlighted the significance of having a strong quarterback, noting, "When you're talking about No. 8 throwing the ball around, like, you know it's a quarterback-driven league. There might be 32 teams, but there's about seven or eight that can win it all, and we got one of them."

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-03-28