When the Ravens take a lead into the fourth quarter, Trey Hendrickson can help them hold it.
Hendrickson isn't a relief pitcher, but the Ravens view him as a closer. He brings many qualities the Ravens want, including a history of excelling in the fourth quarter, getting sacks and quarterback pressures with the game on the line.
The Ravens' newest pass rusher smiled often during his introductory press conference on Friday, sitting between General Manager Eric DeCosta and Head Coach Jesse Minter. DeCosta and Minter were also beaming.
For a franchise that has suffered some bitter defeats after lost leads in recent years, acquiring Hendrickson feels sweet.
"One of the things that stood out to me, since 2021, Trey is second in the NFL in fourth-quarter sacks," Minter said. "When we talk about being able to have a closer mentality and finish games and dominate the fourth quarter, Trey is the epitome of that."
Baltimore fell from 54 sacks in 2024, which was second in the NFL, to just 30 sacks in 2025. The Ravens' inability to pressure quarterbacks consistently in clutch situations cost them dearly and was a major reason they missed the playoffs.
Hendrickson has been acquired to help change that dynamic, and he's up for the challenge. He prides himself on his work ethic, a 31-year-old professional who brings a sense of purpose to every practice, rep, and game. He has reached at least 13.5 sacks in four of the past six seasons, earning a reputation as one of the league's most technically sound pass rushers.
Now his talents are in Baltimore, and Hendrickson believes he can become an even better player, working every day with his new teammates and coaches. He's a pass-rushing technician who's looking forward to expanding his toolbox.
"I'm excited to go to OTAs, I'm excited to go to training camp," Hendrickson said. "I'm a football player. I like my hand in the dirt. I like the smell of the grass. I like my cleats sweating when I come in from a hard training camp practice.
"That's what I built my brand on. Going against a guy like Ronnie Stanley. Can you believe what we can do if we sharpen each other for Game 1? That's what I'm excited for."
See the evolution of defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who the Ravens signed Thursday.
Minter views Hendrickson as a chess piece who will help the Ravens' defense be versatile and violent. His ability to win one-on-one matchups can force an offense to shift pass protection his way. That creates opportunities for other defenders to make plays. It allows Minter and Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver opportunities to scheme up packages that can take advantage of other mismatches.
With 81 career sacks, Hendrickson has made a living getting to quarterbacks, and his pass-rushing prowess will help the entire defense.
"It gives you a lot of flexibility," said Minter, who will be Baltimore's defensive play-caller. "The whole idea on defense is to not be predictable and know that you can at times get pressure rushing four, rushing five, rushing six. The threat of all those different things.
"It's a major blessing to be a guy designing defenses to know you've got a guy like that that can win with four."
Hendrickson relishes his reputation as a fourth-quarter finisher, and it's part of his mentality. More than stacking stats, Hendrickson wants to stack wins. Helping the Ravens close out games on defense is a role that he relishes.
"I want the other 10 guys to count on me," Hendrickson said. "If we're in a place and it's a pinch, you've got to have gas in the tank. You've got to be able to push when everybody else doesn't want to.
"It's instilled in OTAs and training camp. I plan on continuing to push myself to be the best I can be."
