Ravens Land Bengals Star Pass Rusher Hendrickson in $112M Deal

The Baltimore Ravens have signed former Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract. Hendrickson, who recorded 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons, says he's excited for a fresh start with the division rival Ravens.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — After spending years battling against the Baltimore Ravens as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, Trey Hendrickson got an up-close look at the talent level in purple uniforms. Now he’s ready to join forces with those same players he once faced twice a year in AFC North matchups.

“I’ve seen a lot of purple at the Pro Bowls over the last four years,” Hendrickson said. “It’s something that I’m excited to play with those guys. I got to meet them and their families at those type of events, which what a blessing to be a part of that. You get to see the behind the mask. We’re all people at the end of the day. But a place like this — the standard of defense is very high.”

The Ravens officially welcomed Hendrickson during a Friday press conference after signing him to a four-year contract worth $112 million. He’ll team up with an already impressive Baltimore defensive unit featuring Kyle Hamilton in the defensive backfield and Roquan Smith leading the linebacker corps.

Baltimore’s pursuit of Hendrickson came after the team initially agreed to acquire Las Vegas Raiders pass rush specialist Maxx Crosby, only to see that deal fall apart. The Ravens then pivoted to Hendrickson to address their pass rush needs.

Hendrickson’s departure from Cincinnati closes the book on a five-year stint that was both highly productive and marked by tension. The defensive end posted 17.5 sacks in consecutive seasons during 2023 and 2024, but eventually sought a trade amid contract disagreements. A lengthy dispute resulted in a $14 million salary increase for his final campaign with the Bengals.

According to Hendrickson, remaining within the AFC North division didn’t heavily influence his choice, though his exit from Cincinnati came as little shock to observers.

“It’s exciting to start something fresh. I think that was overdue for me,” Hendrickson said. “My family probably took a lot of things more personally than I did, which is saying something. So, for everybody to just kind of get a fresh start and build on this opportunity, it starts day one. I’m excited to get to work. I’m excited to embrace this city, embrace this culture and build from the ground up.”

The Hendrickson signing became essential for Baltimore after the Crosby trade collapsed. While the Ravens have previously found ways to generate pressure without massive investments in edge rushers, that approach failed last season when the team managed just 30 sacks, ranking among the three lowest totals league-wide.

Baltimore’s defense has also struggled with protecting leads, an issue the organization hopes new coach Jesse Minter can address after replacing John Harbaugh in January.

“One of the things that stood out to me — since 2021, Trey is second in the NFL in fourth-quarter sacks,” Minter said. “When we talk about being able to have a closer mentality and finish games and dominate in the fourth quarter, Trey is the epitome of that with how he’s played the last four or five years.”

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta indicated he expects a quiet weekend ahead, suggesting Baltimore may limit additional free agency activity. The team has seen several key contributors depart this week, including Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, leaving questions about an already questionable interior offensive line.

Baltimore did bring back guard John Simpson, who rejoins the Ravens following two seasons with the New York Jets. The team also added safety Jaylinn Hawkins and tight end Durham Smythe to their roster.

“John Simpson plays with an energy and a passion that I’m really excited about adding into the offensive line room,” Minter said. “He had a great season here in one of the most successful seasons in recent memory here in 2023. He is kind of a force multiplier from an energy (standpoint). It’s very contagious how he operates.”