Since 2023, Hendrickson has produced 39.0 sacks, third most in the NFL. He led the league with 35 sacks over 2023-24 and became one of five players in NFL history with 17+ sacks in consecutive campaigns.
The pass rusher brings the ability to work one-on-one to Baltimore, something the Ravens lacked a year ago. Jesse Minter’s defense needed juice on the edge, someone who can disrupt the quarterback without sending extra rushes, so he can play his exotic coverage. Baltimore thought they had it in Crosby. Now they will get it from Hendrickson.
The four-time Pro Bowler has been looking for a long-term deal for years. Hendrickson, 31, went through a long contract with the Bengals, who never seemed willing to pay the veteran big multi-year money. He was then limited to seven games in 2025 due to a core muscle injury.
Given the injury concerns the Ravens had in the Crosby deal, it is interesting that they are willing to pay the senior Hendrickson, who is also coming off surgery. However, it didn’t cost Baltimore two first-round picks.
Hendrickson will remain in the AFC North and will get to chase former teammate Joe Burrow twice in 2026.
The $28 million-a-year deal puts Hendrickson slightly behind the New York Giants’ Brian Burns among cornerbacks, who ranked him 11th.