The Baltimore Ravens shocked the NFL world on Tuesday after they backed out of the Maxx Crosby trade. They agreed to send two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire the five-time Pro Bowler. However, as he did his physical test, the Ravens decided to call off the move.
Instead, they pivoted to Trey Hendrickson, three years older than Crosby, but a free agent. They signed him to a four-year, $112 million deal, giving him the keys to the car on defense. On Friday, Hendrickson revealed that he was looking forward to joining forces with Crosby.
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“What a phenomenal opportunity that would have been,” he said during his introductory conference, via Brian Wacker of the Baltimore Sun.
Trey Hendrickson on the possibility of playing with Maxx Crosby that fell apart: “What a phenomenal opportunity that would have been.”
— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) March 13, 2026
Before the trade fell apart, the Ravens reportedly told Hendrickson he would line up with Crosby. That tandem would have wreaked havoc on opposing offenses, but the Ravens decided to land Hendrickson alone.
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In nine NFL seasons, Hendrickson played 117 games. He recorded 236 tackles, 81 tackles, 15 forced fumbles and 16 passes defended with the New Orleans Saints and the Bengals.
MORE: Details emerge on Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s restructured contract
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Trey Hendrickson seemingly shades Bengals after joining Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson celebrates the win after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
After holding in during the 2025 NFL offseason and agreeing to a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2025 campaign, Trey Hendrickson and the team went their separate ways. Discussing the decision to join the Ravens, he seemingly threw shade at his former team.
“It’s exciting to start something fresh. I think that was overdue for me,” Hendrickson said.
Trey Hendrickson: “It’s exciting to start something fresh. I think that was overdue for me.”
— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) March 13, 2026
The Bengals have had one of the worst defenses in the NFL for several years now. Hendrickson will improve the Ravens’ defense, but he won’t have to carry all the weight.
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