The Ravens are expecting Trey Hendrickson to be a franchise staple for years to come.
Speaking at Hendrickson's introductory press conference Friday, General Manager Eric DeCosta said the 31-year-old "has a lot left in the tank" and the Ravens envision him being a game-wrecker well into his four-year deal.
"I've seen some of the best guys, especially at this position, play a very, very long time and do well. We've had a few, and I think Trey is going to be the next guy to do that for us," DeCosta said.
The Ravens signed Hendrickson Thursday to a reported $112 million contract with $60 million in guarantees. It's a big swing for the Ravens, who have generally been a draft-and-develop team that doesn't splurge on expensive free agents. The former Cincinnati Bengal became the highest-paid outside free agent in Ravens history.
Hendrickson views the opportunity to play in Baltimore as a great fit. He's not thinking about the end of his career, whenever that time may come.
"Those are conversations that will take care of themselves year after year of playing to the standard that I have for myself and being the best Trey Hendrickson I can be. We'll let the chips fall where they do," Hendrickson said.
The Ravens have a rich history of pass rushers excelling in their 30s. Terrell Suggs had a 12-sack season at 32 years old and was a Pro Bowler at 35. Two years ago, Kyle Van Noy had a Pro Bowl season with a career-high 12.5 sacks at 33. Jadeveon Clowney tied his career high in sacks as a 30-year-old.
With nine seasons and 81 sacks under his belt, Hendrickson is excited to keep producing at a high level. He led the league in sacks with 17.5 just two years ago and was on pace for another double-digit sacks season last year before suffering a core muscle injury. DeCosta said Hendrickson is "ready to do some damage."
Hendrickson has been cleared since January after undergoing season-ending surgery in 2025. Even as an established veteran, Hendrickson won't be taking many days off.
"I'm a football player. I like to put my hand in the dirt. I like the smell of the grass. I like my cleats sweaty when I come in from a hard training camp practice," Hendrickson said. "That's what I built my brand on."
Hendrickson made the Super Bowl in his first year in Cincinnati but came up short. He's eager to return and leave with a different result.
"I'm in a 'win-now' window," Hendrickson said. "… this opportunity to hoist the Lombardi Trophy and get into the win column and build something from the ground up is an amazing opportunity."
The four-time Pro Bowler is not taking for granted that opportunity in Baltimore, a place that will be home for the foreseeable future.
"Going into Year 10, that's a dream come true," Hendrickson said.
