After a season that fell well short of expectations, the Cincinnati Bengals could be staring down even more tough decisions this offseason-starting with the future of their top pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson.
The 2024 NFL sack leader had a frustrating 2025 campaign, limited to just seven games due to injury. His final stat line-16 tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble-doesn’t scream dominance, but don’t let that fool you.
When healthy, Hendrickson is still one of the most disruptive edge threats in the league. That’s what makes his contract situation with Cincinnati all the more intriguing-and potentially troubling for Bengals fans.
The Bengals and Hendrickson failed to reach a contract extension last offseason, and now the door is open for him to walk. And if he does, there’s a real chance he doesn’t go far. One of the teams reportedly eyeing Hendrickson is none other than the Baltimore Ravens, a division rival with a clear need for help off the edge.
Baltimore’s pass rush took a noticeable step back in 2025. After racking up 54 sacks the year before, the Ravens managed just 30 last season across 17 games-a steep drop-off for a defense that’s built its identity on pressure and physicality. With Jesse Minter stepping in as the new head coach-a defensive mind through and through-it makes sense that one of his top priorities would be revamping the pass rush.
And what better way to do that than by targeting a proven AFC North disruptor?
Adding Hendrickson wouldn’t just plug a hole in Baltimore’s defense; it would also deal a blow to a direct rival. The Bengals have retained Zac Taylor as head coach, but the rest of the division has undergone major changes. That kind of instability opens the door for power shifts, and a move like this could tilt the balance in the Ravens’ favor.
For Hendrickson, Baltimore could be an ideal landing spot. Minter’s defensive scheme could give him the platform to return to his 2024 form, when he led the league in sacks and looked every bit like one of the most feared edge rushers in football. The Ravens have a history of maximizing defensive talent, and Hendrickson’s high motor and relentless style would fit right in with the franchise’s hard-nosed identity.
As for Cincinnati, losing Hendrickson would be a tough pill to swallow-especially with other teams reportedly circling around quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals’ roster still has plenty of talent, but this offseason could test the front office’s ability to keep the core intact while navigating some serious contract challenges.
The AFC North is already one of the most competitive divisions in football. If Hendrickson swaps stripes for wings and lands in Baltimore, the rivalry between the Ravens and Bengals could reach a whole new level.