Ravens Sign Star Pass Rusher Trey Hendrickson to Record Deal

Four-time Pro Bowler joins Baltimore after leading NFL in sacks with Bengals

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:09pm

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The Baltimore Ravens have signed free agent defensive end Trey Hendrickson to a four-year deal worth up to $120 million, the largest free agent signing in franchise history. Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler, spent the past several seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and led the NFL in sacks in 2024 with 17.5. He expressed excitement about joining the Ravens and continuing to play in the tough AFC North division, citing the team's winning culture and identity.

Why it matters

The Ravens are making a major push to strengthen their defense heading into the new season, and the addition of Hendrickson, one of the league's premier pass rushers, is a significant move. His ability to get to the quarterback will be crucial in the AFC North, where the Ravens face talented offenses like the Bengals, Browns, and Steelers.

The details

Hendrickson, 28, signed a four-year deal worth up to $120 million with the Ravens, making it the largest free agent signing in franchise history. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive end spent the past four seasons with the Bengals, where he emerged as one of the NFL's top pass rushers. In 2024, he led the league with 17.5 sacks, earning his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

  • Hendrickson signed with the Ravens on March 13, 2026.
  • In 2024, Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks while with the Bengals.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A 28-year-old defensive end who has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times, including in 2024 when he led the NFL in sacks with 17.5 while playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Baltimore Ravens

An NFL team based in Baltimore, Maryland that has a strong winning tradition and is known for its stifling defense.

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What they’re saying

“When you're playing in the AFC North, this division specifically, it's tough. And, that was almost more exciting, to stay in the North. It's gritty football and it's the type of football I like to play, and winning games is the most exciting thing about being here in the Ravens building.”

— Trey Hendrickson (wbal.com)

What’s next

Hendrickson will join the Ravens' defense and be expected to provide a significant boost to their pass rush as they look to compete for a division title and Super Bowl berth in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Ravens have made a major investment in their defense by signing one of the NFL's premier pass rushers in Trey Hendrickson. His addition strengthens an already formidable unit and signals Baltimore's commitment to winning in the tough AFC North division.