Baltimore has always been a franchise that thrives on grit and determination. The Ravens' identity is built on pressure, intimidation, and clutch performances in the fourth quarter.
Under John Harbaugh's leadership for two decades, this formula kept them as a perennial powerhouse in the AFC. However, 2025 exposed a harsh reality: without a formidable pass rush, the Ravens lose their edge.
As Baltimore looks to reestablish itself as a contender in 2026 with new head coach Jesse Minter, reigniting their ability to pressure quarterbacks is crucial.
The 2025 season was a classic “what-if” scenario for the Ravens. A rough 1-5 start put them in a deep hole.
Complicating matters, Lamar Jackson, the two-time MVP, suffered a debilitating hamstring injury. Despite the setbacks, Baltimore showed resilience.
Tyler Huntley stepped up during Jackson’s absence, stabilizing the offense. The Ravens clawed back into playoff contention, only to see their hopes dashed by a heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This defeat not only ended their postseason dreams but also marked the end of John Harbaugh’s 18-season tenure.
Offensively, there were bright spots. Derrick Henry bulldozed his way to 1,595 rushing yards, while Zay Flowers emerged as a true No. 1 receiver with 1,211 yards.
Yet, defensively, the issues were glaring. The Ravens recorded just 30 sacks, ranking 24th in the league.
Their inability to apply pressure often meant failing to close out games.
The defensive decline in 2025 was stark. After achieving 54 sacks in 2024, their numbers plummeted.
This drop-off changed the entire defensive dynamic. Without consistent edge pressure, quarterbacks picked apart their coverage.
Blitzes became predictable, and third-and-long situations were no longer sure wins.
Adding to the challenge, the Ravens face uncertainty with free agents like Dre’Mont Jones and Kyle Van Noy. The depth chart lacks a proven, prime pass-rusher.
Historically, Baltimore excels when its front four wins one-on-one battles. In 2025, that didn’t happen.
For Minter’s defense to succeed in 2026, they need a player who not only generates pressures but converts them into game-changing sacks.
Financially, the Ravens are middle-of-the-pack with around $22.7 million in cap space. While that doesn’t scream “big splash,” there’s room for maneuvering.
Lamar Jackson’s $74.5 million cap hit is a significant factor, taking up nearly a quarter of the budget. A restructure or extension seems likely to free up space. The front office can also gain flexibility by restructuring deals for Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey.
The bigger challenge is managing major defensive commitments. Nnamdi Madubuike’s cap hit exceeds $30 million.
All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum is another priority. With 19 unrestricted free agents and only 48 players under contract, the margin for error is slim.
This offseason isn’t the time for half-measures.
Enter Trey Hendrickson.
Yes, he’ll be 31 in 2026 and is recovering from core muscle surgery. However, Hendrickson remains one of the NFL’s most relentless and technically skilled edge rushers.
Just a season ago, he was a Defensive Player of the Year runner-up. He embodies the kind of high-risk, high-reward investment contenders make.
Hendrickson brings instant credibility. He’s averaged double-digit sacks in most of the past five seasons.
Even when his stats dip, his pressure rate stays elite. In 2025, no Raven surpassed 30 quarterback pressures.
Hendrickson routinely hits that mark by Thanksgiving.
Stealing Hendrickson from Cincinnati doesn’t just fill Baltimore’s biggest gap; it weakens a direct rival. The AFC North is all about tough trench battles. Taking away the Bengals’ top pass rusher while adding him to your front line is a strategic coup.
Then there’s the Minter factor. Minter’s scheme thrives on edge defenders who win without heavy blitzing.
Hendrickson excels in one-on-one situations, using his technique and relentless drive to close games. Baltimore hasn’t had a finisher like that recently.
Hendrickson fits the bill perfectly.
Offensively, the Ravens are set. With a healthy Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry pounding defenses, and Zay Flowers stretching the field, the points will come.
What they need is to make quarterbacks uncomfortable again.
Those 30 sacks in 2025 weren’t just a statistical drop-they signified a philosophical shift from what Baltimore football stands for. In the Ray Lewis era, opposing quarterbacks felt pressure before the snap.
With Terrell Suggs anchoring the edge, games often turned on one decisive play. Hendrickson can restore that aura.
He might not single-handedly elevate the defense to the top, but he’ll change third downs, red-zone sequences, and how offensive coordinators plan protection. For the Ravens, these marginal improvements could mean two or three additional wins.
Baltimore’s path back to AFC relevance starts with its front seven. Trey Hendrickson may not be the youngest option, but he’s the most direct solution to their glaring flaw.
If GM Eric DeCosta is willing to restructure contracts and make a bold move, Baltimore can reclaim the pass-rush dominance that once defined them. In the AFC North, that could be the difference between watching January football and dictating it.