Joe Burrow addressed Trey Hendrickson’s move to the Baltimore Ravens for the first time this week after the former Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher signed a four-year, $112 million contract in free agency earlier this offseason. The deal can reportedly reach $120 million through incentives and includes $60 million guaranteed. 

Hendrickson spent five seasons in Cincinnati and became one of the franchise’s top defensive players during that stretch. From 2021 through 2025, he recorded 61 sacks and earned four Pro Bowl selections while helping the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI during the 2021 season.

Speaking to reporters during offseason workouts on Tuesday, Burrow said he was not surprised to see Hendrickson sign with a division rival.

“It’ll definitely be fun,” Burrow said when asked about facing Hendrickson twice this season.

When asked whether the move surprised him, Burrow responded: “Not very surprising. Because I know Trey, I love Trey and know how he operates.” 

Hendrickson’s departure followed a lengthy contract situation with Cincinnati. The Bengals elected not to place the franchise tag on the veteran edge rusher, allowing him to reach free agency after months of uncertainty surrounding his future with the organization.

Baltimore moved quickly after backing out of a proposed trade for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby because of medical concerns. The Ravens then pivoted to Hendrickson and finalized a long-term deal in March. 

Hendrickson discussed the move during his introductory press conference with Baltimore, calling the change a “fresh start” after the contract negotiations with Cincinnati stretched across multiple seasons.

The addition addresses a major need for Baltimore’s defense after the Ravens finished near the bottom of the league in sacks last season. Hendrickson now joins a defense that already features several established veterans and will face Burrow and the Bengals twice annually in AFC North play.

As for the Bengals, they spent the offseason trying to rebuild their pass rush after losing Hendrickson. In free agency, Cincinnati signed veteran edge rusher Boye Mafe to help fill the immediate void on the defensive line. The Bengals then used their second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on former South Carolina edge rusher Cashius Howell, who led the SEC with 11.5 sacks during his final college season. Cincinnati is also expected to lean more heavily on former first-round pick Myles Murphy entering his fourth NFL season after declining his fifth-year option earlier this offseason. 

The Bengals and Ravens are scheduled to meet twice during the 2026 regular season, including a Week 17 Thursday Night Football matchup at Paycor Stadium on New Year’s Eve.