The Baltimore Ravens made headlines this offseason with bold moves in free agency and contract decisions. Just days ago, the team appeared close to landing star defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade that would have cost two first-round picks. The deal fell apart after concerns surfaced during Crosby’s physical, linked to a recent knee surgery. Fans watched closely as Baltimore quickly shifted focus.
This sudden change set the stage for more action, leaving many wondering how the Ravens would strengthen their defense after the trade fell through. With the new league year opening Wednesday, a key decision involving their star quarterback has now opened new doors.
Ravens Restructure Lamar Jackson’s Deal for $40M
The Ravenstriggered an automatic clause in Lamar Jackson‘s contract Tuesday, converting a large portion of his $51.25 million base salary into a signing bonus. That move cut his 2026 cap hit from $74.5 million, the second-highest figure in the NFL, down to $34.54 million, freeing up nearly $40 million in cap space ahead of the new league year.
Ravens Unlock $40M Cap Windfall with Lamar Jackson Restructure
Ravens Unlock $40M Cap Windfall with Lamar Jackson Restructure (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)
Jackson, 29, is a two-time NFL MVP but dealt with injuries throughout 2025, starting just 13 games and posting career-low numbers on the ground. No contract extension has been agreed yet, though talks are ongoing. Owner Steve Bisciotti had pushed for a new deal before free agency opened, but when that deadline passed without one, the restructure became the necessary move.
The approach mirrors what Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City did in February, when the Chiefs used the same method to free up over$43 million ahead of free agency. Josh Allen of Buffalofollowed suit Wednesday, converting salary into bonus money to clear additional room under the cap.
The timing proved vital. Baltimore recorded only 30 team sacks in 2025, one of the lowest totals in the NFL, making pass rush the most urgent need heading into free agency. When their top pass-rush target suddenly became unavailable, the $40 million in freed cap space gave the front office the firepower to pivot fast and not settle.
What the Ravens did next, in just over 13 hours, shows exactly why general manager Eric DeCosta has earned his reputation as one of the sharpest operators in the league.
Lamar Jackson’s Move Brings Hendrickson to Baltimore
Just over 13 hours after the Crosby deal fell apart, Baltimore agreed to sign edge rusher Trey Hendrickson away from the Cincinnati Bengals. The four-year contract carries a base value of $112 million, worth up to $120 million with sack incentives, and includes $60 million fully guaranteed. The deal was made possible directly by the cap space Jackson unlocked through Tuesday’s restructure, a decision that paid off within 24 hours.
Hendrickson, 31, is a four-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 and earned first-team All-Pro honors that year. He played only seven games in 2025 due to a core muscle injury requiring surgery, but had been one of the most durable pass rushers in the league across his previous eight seasons.
Hendrickson now moves across the AFC North, leaving Cincinnati for Baltimore, and will face his former team twice each year.