Trey Hendrickson will haunt Bengals twice a year as member of Ravens

Trey Hendrickson spent the past two seasons being upset with the Cincinnati Bengals for not giving him the long-term security on a deal that he desired, and frankly deserved.

Hendrickson requested a trade after both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but the Bengals were unable – or unwilling – to relocate the star defensive tackle.

Now, Hendrickson has found a new home, and unfortunately for the Bengals, that new home happens to also be in the AFC North. 

Hendrickson signed a four-year, $112 million deal with the rival Baltimore Ravens in free agency. The deal, which includes $60 million fully guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus, provides Hendrickson with the type of long-term security that he long sought from Cincinnati.

By signing in Baltimore, Hendrickson guaranteed that he will face off against his former franchise twice every single season, which should give him ample opportunity to exact revenge on the organization that didn’t value him enough to pay him what the Ravens did, despite all of the individual success that Hendrickson had in a Bengals uniform.

Hendrickson was named a Pro Bowler in four out of his five seasons in Cincinnati and he was named First-Team All-Pro after leading the league in sacks in 2024. This came despite his unhappiness regarding his contract situation. Imagine how impactful he cam be if he feels valued and well-compensated.

The Bengals have had some well-documented issues when it comes to pass protection and keeping star quarterback Joe Burrow upright and healthy. A motivated Hendrickson with a chip on his shoulder knows this, and he will surely look to exploit it when the Ravens and Bengals meet twice in 2026, and beyond. 

The Bengals didn't have to pay Hendrickson, clearly, but their decision not to could come back to haunt them. 

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