Ravens Urged to Poach $25 Million Sack Monster from Bitter Rivals

Baltimore could land Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The Baltimore Ravens are being encouraged to pursue Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency. Hendrickson, who has a market value of $25.4 million per year, could provide a major boost to the Ravens' pass rush after they finished 31st in sack rate last season.

Why it matters

The Ravens are ushering in a new era under head coach Jesse Minter and will want to make sure they don't miss the playoffs again. Signing Hendrickson, a proven pass rusher, could be a game-changer for their defense and help them contend in the AFC North.

The details

Trey Hendrickson has had a strained relationship with the Bengals, and most believe his time in Cincinnati is over. The Ravens have a clear need at edge rusher, and Hendrickson, who posted 17.5 sacks in 2023 and 2024 before an injury-plagued 2025 season, could be an ideal fit if the Ravens are willing to pay his high market value.

  • Trey Hendrickson's contract with the Bengals is set to expire in March 2026, making him a free agent.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A pass rusher for the Cincinnati Bengals who is set to become a free agent in 2026.

Jesse Minter

The new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.

Zachary Pereles

A writer for CBS Sports who suggested the Ravens could pursue Trey Hendrickson.

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What they’re saying

“The Ravens finished 31st in sack rate, and they could lose many edge defenders in free agency. There's a clear need here, and Hendrickson fits the Ravens' win-now window.”

— Zachary Pereles, CBS Sports Writer

What’s next

The Ravens will need to decide if they are willing to pay Trey Hendrickson's high market value of $25.4 million per year in order to bolster their pass rush and contend in the AFC North.

The takeaway

The Ravens have a chance to make a big splash in free agency by signing Trey Hendrickson, a proven pass rusher who could transform their defense. However, the high cost of signing Hendrickson will be a key factor in whether the Ravens pursue this move.