After an elongated contract impasse with the Bengals, Trey Hendrickson beamed as he held up a purple No. 91 Ravens jersey at the Under Armour Performance Center Friday morning.
Hendrickson hit the open market after five seasons as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and left to join a rival.
The Colts, Bills, Buccaneers, Commanders, and Eagles all reportedly pursued Hendrickson. The decision to join the Ravens was a combination of conflicting feelings – a fresh start but familiar AFC North football.
"It's exciting to start something fresh. I think that was overdue for me," Hendrickson said. "My family probably took a lot of things more personally than I did, which is saying something."
Last offseason, Hendrickson took the position that he would not play in 2025 unless he got a long-term contract extension from the Bengals. Per ESPN, the sticking point was the guaranteed money. Hendrickson said he wanted security. He wanted to tell his wife where they were going to be long-term.
He got that from Baltimore – a four-year deal worth a reported base of $112 million with $60 million guaranteed. It's the biggest contract the Ravens have ever given to an outside free agent, an aggressive and atypical move for a franchise hungry to boost the pass rush and get into the Super Bowl.
The Ravens see Hendrickson as a "closer," somebody who can close out games in the fourth quarter after years of watching too many leads slip through their fingers. Baltimore needs to get more pressure on top quarterbacks, including Bengals star Joe Burrow.
Hendrickson saw the Ravens as a chance to play the brand of AFC North football he's grown accustomed to. He'll also get at least two cracks at facing the Bengals for the next several years. Instead of playing with Burrow, he'll be trying to take him down.
Hendrickson said that was "not much" of a factor in his decision to sign with the Ravens, but he'll be ready for it.
"I go into every game like it's the most important game," Hendrickson said. "When you're playing in the AFC North and this division specifically, it's tough. What was almost more exciting was to stay in the North. It's gritty football, and it's the type of football I like to play."
Hendrickson arrived Thursday morning to sign his contract, meet coaches, and some of his teammates. He said he's been "blown away" by the welcome he's received at the Under Armour Performance Center. He plans to be back for organized team activities and a full summer of work as he adjusts to his new team.
"Winning games is the most exciting thing about being here in the Ravens' building. There's a standard of winning here that's unmatched across the league," Hendrickson said.
"Getting in that and continuing to build in what this identity for this unique season is with new coaches, new faces, and me in a new uniform, I think that's what's most exciting about this opportunity."
