Jesse Minter Takes the Helm in Baltimore-Could a Bold Move Jumpstart the Ravens' Rebuild?
A new chapter is underway in Baltimore, and Jesse Minter is now the man steering the ship. After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Ravens are looking to reset, reload, and reassert themselves as contenders in the AFC. The pieces are there, but Minter inherits a roster that needs some fine-tuning-and in a few spots, a full-on overhaul.
One of the most glaring issues? The pass rush.
For a franchise that’s built its identity on defensive dominance-from the days of Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs to more recent years-it was jarring to see Baltimore struggle to generate consistent pressure in 2025. The Ravens’ edge presence just wasn’t there, and it showed. Quarterbacks had too much time, and the defense, as a whole, paid the price.
Now, with Minter calling the shots, there's an opportunity to reestablish that defensive swagger. And according to reports, there might be a high-impact solution hiding in plain sight-right inside the AFC North.
Could Trey Hendrickson Be the Answer?
Trey Hendrickson has been a force off the edge for the Cincinnati Bengals, earning All-Pro honors and giving opposing tackles fits with his relentless motor and polished technique. But his future in Cincinnati is far from certain. Reports suggest Hendrickson and the Bengals aren't exactly seeing eye-to-eye, and that could open the door for a potential intra-division shakeup.
Baltimore swooping in to sign Hendrickson would be a bold move. Not only would it fill a critical need, it would also deal a blow to one of the Ravens’ biggest rivals. That’s a two-for-one you don’t often get in free agency.
But here’s the catch-it won’t come cheap.
Hendrickson is expected to command top dollar on the open market, with projections putting his next deal north of $30 million per year. That’s elite pass rusher money, and rightly so. The question is whether Baltimore is willing-or able-to pay that kind of premium.
Is It Feasible?
With Minter now in charge of the defense, the idea gains a little more traction. He knows what he wants out of his front seven, and if Hendrickson fits that mold, the Ravens could make a serious play. Financially, it would require some maneuvering, but Baltimore has never been shy about investing in defense when the right player is available.
And if Hendrickson’s situation in Cincinnati continues to sour, the timing could be right.
This wouldn’t just be a splash-it would be a statement. Bringing in a high-caliber pass rusher like Hendrickson would signal that the Ravens aren’t content with a slow rebuild. They want to win now, and they’re willing to make aggressive moves to do it.
For Minter, it would be quite the opening act. A revamped defense, a marquee acquisition, and a message to the rest of the division: Baltimore is back, and they’re not playing around.
The Ravens have work to do, but if this move comes to life, it might just be the spark that ignites a turnaround in 2026.