Getty
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson during a Septembver 21, 2025 game.
The Baltimore Ravens are entering a new era under head coach Jesse Minter. Under those circumstances, and according to one NFL analyst, the team should be eyeing a massive upgrade.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay predicts that the Ravens will look to make a move in free agency by targeting Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The move would address a peristent need for Baltimore. At the same time, it would hurt a AFC North rival.
“The Ravens will be looking to make a splash in free agency to open the post-John Harbaugh era. With Jesse Minter now at the helm, Baltimore could steal Hendrickson away from an AFC North rival and deploy him as the centerpiece of a pass-rushing unit that must improve in 2026. Baltimore’s 30 sacks this past season tied for the third fewest in the league and marked a significant regression from the 54, the second-most in the NFL, the team amassed the prior year.”
Hendrickson turns 32 on December 5, so that could play a role in the negotiations. Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta may want to ink the pass rusher to a deal that doesn’t contain more than a couple of years. In return, it could be front-loaded to ensure flexibility if he doesn’t succeed. For Hendrickson’s part, he will need to decide if the upfront cash is worth the smaller yearly investment.
GettyCincinnati Bengals DE sacks Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff during an October 5, 2025 game.
Ravens Could Target All-Pro Pass Rusher
When the Ravens hired Minter, management expected a rapid change to the defensive scheme. As a result, the franchise will need new players to fill out what the new head coach wants to accomplish. With the Chargers, Minter used a hybrid defense to accomplish his goals. Under his tutelage, the Chargers ranked in the top 10 in 16 different defensive categories, per Pro Football Reference.
Top unrestricted free agents available this offseason 👀
• Trey Hendrickson — EDGE
• George Pickens — WR
• Tyler Linderbaum — C
• Daniel Jones — QB
• Jaelan Phillips — EDGE
• Alec Pierce — WR
If you could only sign one, who are you taking and why? pic.twitter.com/MZKKVuI3ZK
— SleeperColts (@SleeperColts) January 29, 2026
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
In Minter’s defense, his edge rushers play at the line of scrimmage, with one standing and the other in a three-point stance. This approach creates one-on-one matchups. If the disruptive interior gets through, the quarterback will attempt to slide to either side. Pressure and chaos are the hallmarks of the scheme.
Hendrickson can operate on both sides of the situation. Additionally, the edge in Minter’s scheme also has a primary responsibility to make plays in the run game, especially the wide-ranging ones. Weighing 265 pounds means that he can anchor against the run, set the edge, and shed to make a play in the backfield.
GettyCincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson during a September 21, 2025 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Potential Addition to Defense Helps Ravens’ Defense as a Whole
Signing Hendrickson could present a positive ripple effect. First, the return of a healthy Nnamdi Madubuike and the continued emergence of Travis Jones would cause a dilemma for opponents. If they choose to double Hendrickson, the interior tackles could feast on the inside.
Similarly, paying extra attention to the tackles frees up the edge in a single blocking situation. Plus, the inside linebackers, especially Roquan Smith, would roam free, without the worry of needing to shed blockers in order to make the play. Furthermore, the secondary, led by Kyle Hamilton, will see rushed passes and everything placed in front to make plays.
GettyBaltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith during a January 11, 2025 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Spotrac, Hendrickson’s market value is $25.4 million. The Ravens can push the number above $30 million with a few restructured contracts. Lamar Jackson’s name was mentioned by owner Steve Bisciotti as a potential candidate for restructuring. The Ravens were one game from a division title and the playoffs. How would adding a pass rusher of Hendrickson’s caliber change the dynamic?
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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