Ravens' $112M 'panic signing' draws attention as report flags worst-case scenario

Jun 19, 2026, 11:00 AM CUT

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 26: Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson 91 before the game against the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals on October 26, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA OCT 26 Jets at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251026044

The Baltimore Ravens made one of their biggest moves of the offseason by signing edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal. It was a clear push to strengthen the defense, but the contract has already sparked discussion after being flagged in reports that pointed to possible risks down the line.

“The 31-year-old (Trey Hendrickson) is coming off a season derailed by lingering core muscle injuries,” said Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon on June 12. “There's a good chance that contributes to his decline entering his 10th season, paving the way for this panic signing to backfire on the Ravens.”

In the 2025 season, the Ravens recorded just 30 sacks (near the bottom of the NFL) and ranked 29th in pass rush win rate, highlighting their lack of consistent edge pressure. This was the reason for this offseason signing.

For the 2025 season, Hendrickson recorded 13.5 sacks, 24 TFL, and 52 pressures before his hip injury. He has 45.5 sacks over the last three seasons. When healthy, Hendrickson is an elite pass rusher. The concern with the Ravens deal is his age and injury history, as pointed out by Gagnon, rather than his talent level.

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 26: Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson 91 during the game against the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals on October 26, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA OCT 26 Jets at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251026069

"Baltimore’s defense doesn’t make the strides it hoped for under Minter, with Trey Hendrickson, the team’s offseason prize to bolster the pass rush, looking like a player past his prime at age 31 and coming off a season-ending hip injury in 2025," CBS Sports analyst Tyler Sullivan wrote on June 17.

But before Hendrickson, the Ravens were heavily considering another pass rusher- Maxx Crosby.

Why did the Ravens not sign Crosby and pivot to Hendrickson?

The Ravens aggressively pursued a trade for Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2026 (offering two first-round picks). The deal was agreed upon but fell apart when Crosby failed his physical in Baltimore.

Crosby had undergone meniscus knee surgery in January 2026, and the Ravens' doctors flagged concerns about the long-term health of his knee.

The Ravens didn't spend long reworking their pass-rush plans. 3 months later, they ended up bringing in Trey Hendrickson instead.

According to NFL.com, Hendrickson's contract can rise to $120 million, with $60 million fully guaranteed and added incentives that could increase the total guaranteed amount.

“The Ravens have swiftly pivoted from Maxx Crosby to Trey Hendrickson,” analyst Kevin Patra wrote on NFL.com on March 11.

Hendrickson has been one of the most productive edge rushers in recent years, consistently generating pressure and finishing plays in the backfield. But it remains to be seen if he can recover well from the injury to play on the elite level that the Ravens are hoping to get from him.

Do you think Hendrickson would be a good fit for the Baltimore Ravens?

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi