Why the Ravens landed on Hendrickson post-Crosby failed trade - ESPN

Less than a day after backing out of their trade for Maxx Crosby, the Baltimore Ravens made the best move available to significantly improve a floundering pass rush by striking a deal with free agent Trey Hendrickson.

Baltimore reached a four-year, $112 million agreement with Hendrickson on Wednesday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, which capped a surprising turn of events that has captured the attention of the league over the past 24 hours.

The Ravens have drawn criticism among league circles for quickly pivoting to Hendrickson after rescinding a trade for Crosby, which would have cost them first-round picks in 2026 and 2027. League sources told ESPN that the Ravens had medical concerns that arose during Crosby's physical on Tuesday.

By moving on from Crosby, Baltimore was still able to land a four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher in Hendrickson, who lasted longer than expected on the free agent market, without having to give up major draft capital. Hendrickson had received interest from a handful of teams (the Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler) over the first couple of days of the free agency window opening, but the Ravens made the aggressive move to get a deal in place by Wednesday morning.

ESPN Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley, NFL analyst Ben Solak and national NFL reporter Dan Graziano answer pressing questions on the Ravens' acquisition of Hendrickson.

The roster alone is not better. Crosby is a better all-around defensive end than Hendrickson, as he is leagues ahead as a run defender and is still a dominant pressure player even if he doesn't produce the same sack totals. Crosby is also three years younger than