Eric DeCosta
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Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta looks on before a 2023 game between Baltimore and the Miami Dolphins.
Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta has received much praise due to the signing of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The Baltimore Ravens signed Hendrickson to a four-year, $120 Million contract. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Trey Hendrickson’s four-year deal includes $60 million fully guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus.
According to an ESPN article, DeCosta has been following Hendrickson’s career since the edge rusher was in high school.
“Shortly after the Baltimore Ravens signed defensive end Trey Hendrickson last week, general manager Eric DeCosta reflected on the first time he saw him as a small school prospect at the East-West Shrine Game practices nine years ago.” Jameison Hensley wrote in the ESPN article.
“This guy was flying around, and that left an impression on me that week,” DeCosta said in the article. “We weren’t able to get him in the draft, but I’m not surprised by the trajectory of his career and what he’s been able to accomplish.”
DeCosta Says Hendrickson Has ‘a Lot Left in the Tank’
Trey Hendrickson will turn 32 this year. Hendrickson coming off a year where he only played in 10 games due to injury. He recorded 4 sacks and ended the 2025 season on injured reserve due to a procedure to repair a core muscle injury.
Despite Hendrickson not being available for most of the season last year, DeCosta still sees Hendrickson being a force in Baltimore.
“I think he has a lot left in the tank,” DeCosta said during Hendrickson’s introductory news conference. “I think one of the things about Trey is, he impacted the games when he was in New Orleans, but it took him a while to get going. And so, he’s got fresh legs.”
Hendrickson will add some tenacity to the Baltimore Ravens defense they have desperately needed. The 4-time Pro-Bowler was a third-round selection by the New Orleans Saints in 2017 and has 81 sacks in nine NFL seasons. In 2024, Hendrickson was named an All-Pro after leading the league in sacks with 17.5.
Hendrickson Signing Labeled as ‘Big Swing’ by DeCosta
Trey Hendrickson has recorded at least 13.5 sacks in four of his past six seasons. Baltimore will be getting a consistent veteran who knows a thing or two about getting after quarterbacks.
“I take a lot of pride in proving people that believe in me correct, and I look forward to doing that,” Hendrickson said in the news conference. “The standard is high here, and I’m excited for that challenge.”
“I’ve been fresh, been ready to go. I’m excited to have that humbling opportunity to rebuild my body and to mold it in the way I want it to play. I feel great. I’m excited for the opportunity to play football. Going into Year 10, that’s a dream come true.”
Eric DeCosta revealed that a lot of factors played into signing Hendrickson to a long-term deal.
“We felt like this was a year to take a big swing,” DeCosta said. “We saw some players that we thought could impact us… Trey being one of the main guys. I mean, look at this guy. He’s going to be ready to roll, and he’s fresh; he’s healthy, he’s strong, and he’s ready to do some damage.”