Buccaneers GM opens up on losing Trey Hendrickson to the Ravens

Hendrickson was one of the most coveted pass rushers available this offseason, and it’s easy to understand why. Since joining the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, he has consistently terrorized quarterbacks while producing double-digit sack totals in nearly every season. Even in campaigns where the numbers dipped slightly, his impact remained obvious.

The Ravens found what they were looking for

For Ravens fans, the story only reinforces how significant Hendrickson's signing may become. After the failed Crosby pursuit generated criticism and outside skepticism, Baltimore could easily have entered the season still searching for answers, on the edge. Instead, they secured one of football's most productive pass rushers and added him to a defense now being reshaped by Jesse Minter.

Perhaps the most fascinating part of Hendrickson's decision is that he willingly chose to remain in the AFC North to play for a Bengals rival after spending the previous five seasons with Cincinnati. Most veterans eventually welcome the opportunity to escape familiar divisional battles. Hendrickson embraced them again. There are legitimate questions surrounding age, as he turns 32 later this year. Baltimore, however, is clearly betting that his motor, technique, and relentless approach will age well. If that gamble pays off, the Ravens may eventually look back at this offseason and realize they didn't just recover from missing on Maxx Crosby. They may have landed the perfect alternative before another contender could pull him away.

Licht later softened the disappointment by pointing toward Tampa Bay's excitement surrounding rookie pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr., but the initial reaction revealed just how seriously the Buccaneers pursued Hendrickson before Baltimore closed the deal. In the end, Tampa Bay's disappointment may serve as Baltimore's reassurance. The Ravens didn't just win a bidding war for Trey Hendrickson. They may have secured the final piece needed to restore the edge and physical identity that has long defined Ravens football.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jason Licht admits the Bucs wanted Trey Hendrickson badly