Baltimore Ravens' newest star defender, Trey Hendrickson, sent a clear message on his role with the team and what type of player he is.
The Baltimore Ravens quickly pivoted to sign another elite pass rusher after the Maxx Crosby trade fell through.
The Ravens went on to sign All-Pro Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $121 million deal to bolster their pass rush. Baltimore's pass rush was a major weak point for the team, ranking 30th in sacks, totaling 30 sacks throughout the season.
It was a major need for the team, and they upgraded it massively with the addition of Hendrickson.
The Ravens officially introduced Hendrickson as a member of the team on Friday, and he touched on a variety of topics. One of the things he discussed was what he plans to bring to the team and the type of player he is.
Hendrickson shared the following message with the media and fans.
"I'm excited to go to OTAs," Hendrickson said. "I'm excited to be at training camp. I'm a football player. I like to put my hand in the dirt. I like the smell of the grass. I like my cleats sweaty when I come in from a hard training camp practice. That's what I've built my brand on."
The 31-year-old is an elite, high-motor edge rusher. He is a relentless player who excels with a deep toolbox of pass-rush moves, including elite get-off speed, violent hand usage, and the ability to win both inside with power and outside with bend.
With his arrival, Hendrickson becomes a defensive cornerstone for the Ravens, a franchise that has built its identity on that side of the ball throughout its 31-year history.
“The standard is high here and I’m excited for that challenge,” Hendrickson said. “Incredible defense, incredible people, and looking forward to this season.”
“I’m in a win-now window,” Hendrickson said. “My career has been phenomenal and I’ve been so blessed to meet great people and win a lot of games with Drew Brees and Joe Burrow. But this opportunity to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, get into the win column and build something from the ground up is an amazing opportunity.”
Although the plan for the Ravens was to have Hendrickson and Crosby torture other oppoisng offense and quarterbacks, things didn't pan out for the team.
Nonetheless, head coach Jesse Minter is excited for what Hendrickson brings to his team.
"It gives you a lot of flexibility. The whole idea on defense is to not be predictable. ... Trey's a guy that wins in a multitude of ways. ... It's a major blessing to a guy designing defenses to know you gotta guy like that that can with four."
The Ravens and Hendrickson will look to bounce back in 2026, led by their defense.