After shockingly backing out of their trade for Maxx Crosby last night, the Baltimore Ravens quickly pivoted just hours later. As reported early Wednesday morning, the Ravens have agreed to terms with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson on a four-year, $112 million contract. Here is the Baltimore Beatdown staff’s reactions to the move.
That was quick! Eric DeCosta certainly contributed to league-wide suspicions regarding the circumstances of the Maxx Crosby trade renege. Still, in doing so, he filled a significant need in getting a true, tier-one edge rusher. Trey Hendrickson doesn’t have the same every-down impact that Crosby does, and is two years older, but the numbers don’t lie. Hendrickson’s pressure rate remained near the top of the league despite an injury-riddled 2025 season. The contract is expensive, but the guarantees make it seem like it isn’t a true four-year deal. Even though Crosby is probably a better player, I’m happier with Hendrickson and keeping the first-round picks than I would have been losing them to get Crosby. I’m interested to see how the cap hit looks in 2026 and also learned about the reported Lamar Jackson contract restructure. The Ravens still have plenty of needs, but it’s nice to know pick 14 is back to fill one of them. — **Mark Mye**rs
There is no sugar coating the gut punch that is losing out in Maxx Crosby, but Trey Hendrickson is a great player in his own right. While he is older than Crosby and not the same type of dominant force against the run, Hendrickson should still provide a massive upgrade to one of the league’s weakest pass rushes. As with Crosby, injuries and age are a concern, but at least with Hendrickson the Ravens won’t be giving up massive draft capital to take that risk. Possibly the only positive of the Crosby deal falling through is that Baltimore can now address another position of need with the 14th pick in the upcoming draft. — **Dustin Cox**
Putting the Maxx Crosby trade debacle aside, Trey Hendrickson was the best free agent edge rusher available from the get-go. He’s been one of the most impactful pass rushers in the league over the past several years. Signing him to such a large deal is risky given he’s returning from a significant injury at 31 years old. However, it’s a move the Ravens needed to make given their desperate need for pass rushing help on the defensive front. Hendrickson is not great against the run, but will instantly boost the team’s ability to generate pressure in a big way. Pivoting quickly to land Hendrickson softens the blow of not acquiring Crosby. — **Frank Platko**
Man, what a whirlwind the last few days have been. First, it seemed unlikely the Ravens would trade for Maxx Crosby - then they actually did. Last night we all get the shocking news that Crosby failed his physical, nullifying the trade. The next morning, the Ravens move quickly to sign Trey Hendrickson. Is he as good as Maxx Crosby? Probably not, but his production and pass rushing prowess are certainly similar if not better. Against the run is where the real difference lies. Crosby is arguably the best EDGE run defender in the league whereas Hendrickson is viewed as more of a liability. Regardless, Hendrickson should be a major upgrade to the Ravens pass rush. At the end of the day the Ravens just traded Maxx Crosby for Trey Hendrickson and two first rounders which feels like a pretty good deal. The tsunami of conspiracy theories over the Crosby debacle have already started and unfortunately, we’ll probably never know the truth. — **Stephen Bopst**
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