Baltimore, MD – In a stunning pivot just hours after backing out of a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby, the Baltimore Ravens have secured a premier edge rusher by agreeing to terms with former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The deal, first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and confirmed by multiple outlets including Ravens Wire and CBS Sports, is a four-year contract worth $112 million.
The move comes on the eve of the NFL’s 2026 free agency period, which officially opens Wednesday, March 12. It marks a dramatic shift for the Ravens, who had agreed in principle to send two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders for Crosby before voiding the deal reportedly due to concerns over Crosby’s physical.
Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler and 2024 First-Team All-Pro, instantly becomes the centerpiece of Baltimore’s pass rush. The 31-year-old veteran leaves the AFC North rival Bengals after five seasons, during which he established himself as one of the league’s most dominant defensive ends.
From Plan B to Plan A: A Rapid Pivot
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly on Tuesday, March 11. Early reports indicated the Ravens were “backing out” of the Crosby trade, sending shockwaves through the league. Within hours, speculation mounted that Baltimore would turn its attention to Hendrickson, the top edge rusher remaining on the market.
“Baltimore is gonna sign Trey Hendrickson. Watch,” one NFL general manager texted to insider Jordan Schultz, as reported by Sports Illustrated. That prediction proved prescient, as news of the agreement broke late Tuesday night.
The swiftness of the move has led to accusations of “collusion” from some fans and observers on social media, who suspect the Ravens may have had an understanding with Hendrickson’s camp before officially withdrawing from the Crosby trade. The Ravens have not commented on those allegations.
Hendrickson’s Career and 2025 Season
Hendrickson, a third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2017, broke out with a 13.5-sack season in 2020 before signing a lucrative free-agent deal with Cincinnati. He immediately rewarded the Bengals, setting a franchise single-season sack record with 14 in 2021. He broke his own record in 2023 with 17.5 sacks, a mark he tied in 2024 while leading the NFL and winning the Deacon Jones Award as the league’s sack leader.
His 2025 season was marred by a contract dispute and injury. After a lengthy hold-in during training camp, Hendrickson and the Bengals agreed to a restructured deal that boosted his 2025 earnings. However, he was limited to just seven games due to a hip/pelvis injury that required surgery and landed him on injured reserve in December. He finished the season with 16 total tackles and 4.0 sacks.
For his career, Hendrickson has 236 tackles, 81.0 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, and 16 pass deflections over 117 regular-season games.
Terms and Implications
The four-year, $112 million pact averages $28 million annually, placing Hendrickson among the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. The structure and guarantees of the contract are not yet known.
For the Ravens, the signing addresses a critical need after the failed Crosby acquisition. It also delivers a significant blow to a division rival, stripping the Bengals of their best pass rusher. The Buffalo Bills, who had also reportedly reached out to Hendrickson, are now likely out of the running.
For Hendrickson, the deal represents a fresh start and a massive payday after two tumultuous offseasons of negotiations with Cincinnati. He now joins a Ravens defense looking to return to the top of the AFC North.
The NFL’s legal tampering period and free agency frenzy officially begins at 4:00 PM ET on Wednesday, March 12. The Hendrickson signing is expected to be one of the first major dominos to fall.