Trey Hendrickson, one of the NFL's most dominant defensive ends over the past half-decade, has entered a pivotal chapter in his career. After five productive seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals that saw him emerge as a perennial Pro Bowler and sack leader, the 31-year-old pass rusher became an unrestricted free agent in March 2026 when the team declined to use the franchise tag. Recent reports indicate Hendrickson has agreed to terms with the Baltimore Ravens on a four-year contract worth $112 million, marking a significant shift from the Bengals after a tenure filled with accolades, contract drama, and injury setbacks.

Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson

Here are 10 key things to know about Hendrickson, blending his background, achievements, statistics, and the latest developments as of March 2026.

  1. Humble Beginnings and College Dominance Born Dec. 5, 1994, in Orlando, Florida (though some sources list Apopka), Hendrickson grew up in the Sunshine State before attending Florida Atlantic University. At FAU, he became the program's all-time sack leader with 29 career sacks across four seasons (2013-2016). His collegiate production turned heads, leading to his selection in the third round (103rd overall) of the 2017 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints.
  2. Early NFL Struggles and Breakthrough in New Orleans Hendrickson spent his first four seasons (2017-2020) with the Saints, where he gradually increased his role. After limited playing time early on, he posted a career-high 13.5 sacks in 2020, showcasing his pass-rush prowess and setting the stage for free agency. His time in New Orleans provided valuable experience alongside veterans like Cameron Jordan.
  3. Bengals Signing and Immediate Impact In 2021, Hendrickson signed with the Bengals as an unrestricted free agent. He made an instant impact, recording 14 sacks in his debut season with Cincinnati — the highest single-season total for the franchise since sacks became an official stat in 1982 (trailing only Coy Bacon's 22 in 1976 in team history). His arrival bolstered a defense that helped Cincinnati reach the Super Bowl that year.
  4. Elite Production Peak: Back-to-Back 17.5-Sack Seasons Hendrickson cemented his status as a top-tier pass rusher with consecutive 17.5-sack campaigns in 2023 and 2024 — tying for the second-most in Bengals history in a single season. In 2024, he led the NFL in sacks, earning first-team All-Pro honors for the first time and his fourth Pro Bowl selection overall.
  5. Career Stats Highlight Consistent Dominance Through the 2025 season, Hendrickson amassed 81 career sacks, 236 total tackles (162 solo), 15 forced fumbles, and 16 passes defensed across 117 games. Since joining the Bengals in 2021, his 57 sacks rank third in the NFL during that span. He has been remarkably durable in prior years, playing all 17 games in multiple seasons before injuries struck.
  6. 2025 Season Cut Short by Injury The 2025 campaign proved challenging for Hendrickson and the Bengals. Limited to just seven games due to a core muscle injury requiring season-ending surgery in December, he recorded 16 tackles (11 solo), 4 sacks, one forced fumble, and 2.5 tackles for loss. The injury marked his lowest output since early in his career and contributed to ongoing uncertainty about his future in Cincinnati.
  7. Prolonged Contract Saga Hendrickson's time in Cincinnati was marked by repeated contract negotiations. After back-to-back standout seasons, he sought a long-term extension. In 2025, the sides reworked his deal for a $14 million raise, bringing his salary to $30 million (with potential incentives up to $31 million tied to playing time and playoffs). Despite discussions for multi-year deals, including a proposed three-year, $95 million package with limited guarantees, no long-term agreement materialized.
  8. No Franchise Tag, Free Agency Arrival In early March 2026, the Bengals opted not to place the franchise tag on Hendrickson — which would have paid him approximately $24.4 million for one season — allowing him to hit the open market. Hendrickson posted an emotional farewell on social media, thanking the organization and fans after five seasons. The decision followed years of tension over his desire for security beyond one-year solutions.
  9. Free Agency Market Heats Up As one of the top available edge rushers, Hendrickson's market drew significant interest. Reports surfaced of asking prices in the $30-40 million annual range amid recent big deals for other pass rushers. Projections varied, with some analysts linking him to teams like the Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, or New England Patriots. Speculation included multi-year deals worth $105 million or more over three seasons.
  10. New Chapter with the Baltimore Ravens The latest development: Hendrickson has agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, per multiple reports including from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The move came after the Ravens backed out of a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby due to a failed physical. The deal positions Hendrickson to bolster Baltimore's pass rush alongside established talent, providing him with a fresh start in the AFC North — against his former division rivals.

Hendrickson's journey from a mid-round pick to one of the league's premier defensive forces underscores his work ethic and skill. While his Bengals era ended amid contract frustrations and injury, his proven ability to disrupt quarterbacks ensures he'll remain a key figure in the NFL. At 31, with a new long-term commitment in Baltimore, Hendrickson aims to add to his legacy and chase the championship that eluded him in Cincinnati.