How will the Ravens defense benefit from a superstar defensive end

The Baltimore Ravens have made a big and smart move by signing star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract. This big signing happened after the Ravens backed out of the Maxx Crosby trade, who is another star that played for the Las Vegas Raiders. Adding Hendrickson to this young and very good defense could be dangerous in the NFL due to his elite skill to sack the quarterback. While some Ravens are confused why the Ravens backed out of the trade, the signing of Hendrickson can give the fans some belief and excitement.

Trey Hendrickson has had some up years and also some down years. He first started off by getting drafted by the New Orleans Saints, showed some big plays and eventually ended with a 13.5 sack season in 2020. After the Saints, he went to the Bengals in 2021 and then had a 14 sack season. He started to become a rising star in the NFL. Then he had a down year in 2022 with 8 sacks, but then the seasons 2023 and 2024 were his breakout seasons in which he had 17.5 in both. He led the NFL in sacks in 2024 and became a star. Gavin Smith ’27 says, “ Hendrickson was very important to the Bengals defense and was once one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL.” Sadly this past season of 2025/2026 he was placed on injured reserve in December 2025 following surgery to repair a core muscle issue. We think he will be able to bounce back this upcoming season. Hendrickson helped lead the Bengals to deep playoff runs and even the Super Bowl.

We think that the Ravens made a very smart move backing out of that trade and instead signing Hendrickson. Trading for Crosby would have cost a lot of picks and also Crosby had some medical concerns on his knee after he had surgery in January 2026 to repair a significant meniscus tear and addressing related bone/cartilage stress injuries. The Ravens have some star players on their defense, such as Raquon Smith, Nate Wiggins, and Kyle Hamilton. Now adding Hendrickson could lead them to a deep playoff run. Hendrickson’s ability to get the backfield is very dangerous to opposing quarterbacks, especially the NFC north quarterbacks. Luke Clemow ’27 says “ Hendrickson was very important to the Bengals defense and was once one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL.” It will be exciting to see Hendrickson lining up against his former team.