Trey Hendrickson’s Future Could Spell Trouble for the Bengals-Especially If He Lands in Baltimore
For years now, the Bengals and Trey Hendrickson have been locked in a contract standoff that’s never quite found resolution. The two sides haven’t been able to get on the same page for a long-term extension, and now it looks like that chapter is finally closing. Hendrickson is expected to hit free agency this offseason-and Cincinnati may have no choice but to move on from one of its most productive defensive stars.
That alone is a tough pill to swallow for Bengals fans. But what’s looming on the horizon might sting even more.
In a recent set of free agency projections, Hendrickson was linked to none other than the Baltimore Ravens-Cincinnati’s AFC North rival and perennial thorn in their side. If that prediction comes true, it wouldn’t just be a loss-it’d be a nightmare scenario for the Bengals faithful who’ve spent years cheering on one of the league’s most consistent pass-rushing forces.
Baltimore’s Defensive Reboot Could Include a Familiar Face
The Ravens are entering a new era. With John Harbaugh stepping away and Jesse Minter taking over as head coach, Baltimore is clearly leaning back into its defensive roots. And what better way to make a statement than by poaching a Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher from a division rival?
Hendrickson fits the mold of what Baltimore needs. The Ravens haven’t had a true game-wrecker on the edge in recent seasons, and Minter-known for his aggressive, schematically versatile defenses-could use a player like Hendrickson as the centerpiece of a revamped pass rush. If Baltimore wants to stay in the championship hunt, adding a veteran with Hendrickson’s motor and production could be the kind of move that keeps them at the top of the AFC.
And while Hendrickson isn’t in his early-20s anymore, that might not matter much to a Ravens team that’s built to win now. With some cap flexibility-especially if they decide not to re-sign center Tyler Linderbaum-they could have the space to make a serious offer and outbid other suitors.
A Tough Goodbye-and a Tougher Reunion?
From Cincinnati’s perspective, letting Hendrickson walk might be a necessary part of a larger defensive overhaul. The Bengals' defense has slipped in recent seasons, and a rebuild on that side of the ball could mean making some hard decisions-even when it comes to star players.
But watching Hendrickson suit up in purple and black? That’s a different level of pain.
Twice a year, Bengals fans could be forced to watch a former fan favorite come off the edge trying to take down Joe Burrow. It's not just about losing a great player-it's about potentially empowering a rival that’s already been tough to beat since Cincinnati’s Super Bowl run.
The Bengals have struggled to regain momentum in the AFC North, and a move like this could widen the gap. Hendrickson has been a tone-setter on defense, a player who brought energy, sacks, and leadership. Replacing that isn’t easy-and replacing it while watching him thrive in Baltimore would be even harder.
What Comes Next?
Whether Hendrickson ultimately lands in Baltimore or elsewhere, it feels like the end of the road in Cincinnati. The contract dispute has lingered too long, and with the Bengals needing a defensive reset, this offseason could be the turning point.
Still, there’s one hope Bengals fans are likely clinging to: if Hendrickson is leaving, let it be somewhere far from the AFC North. Because if he ends up in Baltimore, the Bengals won’t just be losing a pass rusher-they’ll be facing him, and the consequences, twice a year.