Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) celebrates a stoppage during the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals at Acreaser Stadium in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. The Bengals won 19-17 and finished the regular season at 9-8. Trey Hendrickson is energized and excited to help the Ravens chase a championship. The sooner the better.
“I’m now in a position to win,” the veteran pass rusher said during a press conference in Baltimore on Friday.
“My career has been amazing and I’ve been blessed to meet great people and win many games. This opportunity to lift the Lombardi Trophy, get on the victory pole and build something from the ground up is an incredible opportunity.”
The Ravens represent the third act for the 31-year-old Hendrickson, who agreed to a four-year, $112 million deal this week after spending five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and four with the New Orleans Saints.
He brought 81 career sacks to a Baltimore defense that only managed 30 last season. Only the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers have fewer. He also brings an attitude that fits the Ravens’ traditional smashmouth style.
“I’m a soccer player,” Hendrickson said. “I like to get my hands in the dirt. I love the smell of grass. I love sweaty boots when I come in from a tough training camp. That’s why I built my brand.”
Those comments drew a smile from general manager Eric DeCosta, who completed the deal for Hendrickson after a physical submarine failed to recruit Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby.
DeCosta claimed the Ravens were looking into signing Hendrickson before the deal with Crosby fell through.
“It would have been an amazing opportunity,” Hendrickson said of Crosby. “I have nothing but respect for the way he carries himself on and off the field and the adversity he has overcome. There are people in this building that I am excited to play with. That’s (what’s) so special about this. It feels very defensive-minded.”
Hendrickson is looking forward to continuing the tradition of defensive stars like Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed and playing alongside two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“If it’s not exciting to play here, you need to check your pulse,” Hendrickson said. “It’s really exciting to start something new. It was probably too late for me.”
Hendrickson missed 10 games last season due to injury and led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 before undergoing core muscle surgery in December.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter said of Hendrickson, “A game-breaker as a pass rusher. A game-breaker as a run defender. One of the most dominant players in the National Football League.” “When we talk about having a tighter mentality and being able to close out games and dominate the fourth quarter, Trey is a classic example of that with how he’s played over the last four or five years.”
–Field level media
