Trey Hendrickson is no longer with the Bengals — he signed with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency on a 4-year, $112M deal (PFF graded it "Above Average"). He was the top free agent edge defender on the 2026 market.
A few key storylines:
- Scheme fit: Under new DC Anthony Weaver, Hendrickson should thrive in a multiple-front defense that schemes pressure. The Ravens also improved their secondary (Awuzie, Hawkins), which should buy him extra time to finish sacks.
- Durability risk: He played only 7 games in 2025 after a season-ending injury (4 sacks after a 17.5-sack 2024). ESPN dropped him out of the top 10 edge rushers. As one NFL exec said: "He's been a great performer but doesn't have the dominant traits, so when age and injuries pile up, it's harder to stay toward the top."
- Biggest question: Can a 31-year-old edge with core muscle injuries and a massive contract stay healthy and produce? (from the Trey Hendrickson page)
Meanwhile, the Bengals moved on and traded for Dexter Lawrence to anchor their defensive line instead.