Trey Hendrickson Joins Baltimore Ravens After Leaving Cincinnati Bengals

The veteran pass rusher is excited for a fresh start with a new AFC North rival.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Trey Hendrickson, a defensive end who spent the last five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, has signed a four-year, $112 million deal to join the Baltimore Ravens. Hendrickson, who had 17.5 sacks in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, requested a trade from the Bengals and is looking forward to a 'fresh start' with the Ravens. Baltimore is hoping Hendrickson can boost their pass rush after the team was unable to complete a trade for Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Why it matters

The Ravens have struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, finishing with only 30 sacks in 2022 which was tied for the third-fewest in the NFL. Signing Hendrickson, who has been one of the league's most productive pass rushers in recent years, is a major move to address that issue and help the Ravens close out games more effectively.

The details

Hendrickson had a close relationship with many Ravens players from their time together at the Pro Bowl, and he's excited to join a talented defense that already includes Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith. The 28-year-old pass rusher is looking forward to a 'fresh start' after a sometimes contentious end to his tenure with the Bengals, where he had requested a trade and received a $14 million raise for one more season.

  • Hendrickson signed a four-year, $112 million deal with the Ravens on March 13, 2026.
  • He spent the previous five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A 28-year-old defensive end who has been one of the NFL's most productive pass rushers in recent years, recording 17.5 sacks in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Kyle Hamilton

A talented young safety who is part of the Ravens' defensive core.

Roquan Smith

An elite linebacker who is also a key part of the Ravens' defensive unit.

Maxx Crosby

A star pass rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders, whom the Ravens had initially agreed to trade for before backing out of the deal.

Jesse Minter

The new head coach of the Ravens, who replaced John Harbaugh in January.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've seen a lot of purple at the Pro Bowls over the last four years. 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.”

— Trey Hendrickson

“One of the things that stood out to me — since 2021, Trey is second in the NFL in fourth-quarter sacks. 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.”

— Jesse Minter, Ravens Head Coach

What’s next

The Ravens will look to integrate Hendrickson into their defense as they aim to improve their pass rush and close out games more effectively in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Signing Trey Hendrickson is a major move by the Ravens to bolster their defensive line and provide a much-needed boost to their pass rush, which has been a weakness in recent years. Hendrickson's proven ability to get to the quarterback, especially in crucial fourth-quarter situations, makes him an ideal fit for a Ravens team looking to take the next step and compete for a championship.