The Cincinnati Bengals made several free agency additions this offseason. Some are brought in to help the defense, including EDGE Boye Mafe, safety Bryan Cook and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.
However, they were on the losing end as well. One of Cincinnati's most notable departures was defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Not only did he leave in free agency, but signed with the Bengals' AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens.
He is set to stay with Baltimore through the 2029 season, signing a four-year, $112 million contract. It currently stands as the largest free agency deal the Ravens have given out this offseason.
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While Bengals fans may have been surprised to see the pass rusher stay in the division, Burrow wasn't. While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the quarterback revealed his initial reaction to Hendrickson's decision.
"Not very surprising, because I know Trey, I love Trey," Burrow said. "I just know how he operates."
Over the past five years with Cincinnati, Hendrickson has emerged as one of the NFL's top defenders. From 2021 to 2025, he accumulated 171 tackles, 61 sacks, 56 tackles for loss, 12 forced fumbles and 181 pressures.
He put together his best performance in 2024, earning Pro Bowl honors, was a First-Team All-Pro selection and finished runner-up behind Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II for Defensive Player of the Year.
While Cincinnati benefited from his dominance the past five years, they will now be trying to stop him. The Bengals and Ravens will face off for the first time in Week 7 in the 2026 season and then once again in Week 17.
While Burrow didn't express any hard feelings toward the four-time Pro Bowler, he may not be looking forward to those matchups. The Bengals allowed 36 sacks last season and now must face Hendrickson twice a year.
