In a whirlwind of NFL maneuvers, the Baltimore Ravens have made headlines by securing a deal with Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive standout Trey Hendrickson. The four-year contract, valued at $112 million and potentially reaching up to $120 million, marks a significant move for the Ravens, who had just backed out of a major trade involving Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders.
On the Pat McAfee Show, Hendrickson shared his initial expectation of joining forces with Crosby in Baltimore. However, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta expressed his disappointment over the trade's collapse, confirming that the team had indeed been eyeing both defensive stars.
The plan to pair Crosby and Hendrickson was reportedly facilitated by the departure of center Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders. DeCosta explained, "Trey kind of made a lot of sense as a possible guy to look at. We were excited about the potential of having two dominant pass-rushers on the line."
The trade with Crosby fell through after he reportedly failed a physical due to a meniscus repair from the 2025 season. Despite rumors of a revised contract offer from the Ravens, Crosby's agent dismissed these claims as "fake news."
DeCosta elaborated on the discussions involving both players: "We had started discussions with both players. We thought adding Trey, whom we’ve faced twice a year for several years, could really bolster our team. It was definitely a possibility we explored."
As the dust settles, Crosby remains with the Raiders, gearing up for the 2026 season. Meanwhile, the Ravens look to Hendrickson to bring the defensive prowess they sought, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.