The Baltimore Ravens entered the offseason desperate to upgrade their pass rush. We all know how that worked out, don’t we? For a brief moment, it appeared they might land one of the NFL’s premier defensive stars in Maxx Crosby, but what’s that saying? Not everything turns out how most think it should. That blockbuster pursuit ultimately collapsed. Baltimore pivoted quickly, however, signing veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson instead and giving new head coach Jesse Minter the disruptive presence this defense badly needed off the edge.
At the time, the move was viewed as both aggressive and necessary after the Ravens struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks last season. Apparently, though, Baltimore wasn’t the only team trying to secure Hendrickson’s services.
The Buccaneers pushed hard for Trey Hendrickson
During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht openly discussed how close his organization came to stealing Hendrickson away before he ultimately signed with the Ravens.
“We were in on Trey Hendrickson a little bit..
Maybe it worked in our favor now getting Rueben Bain” ~ @jasonrlicht#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/YXWnNRmvwO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 5, 2026
“Hendrickson being signed by the Ravens, we were in on that a little bit. (We) felt a little bit dejected at first, but now, maybe it worked in our favor. That statement alone speaks volumes.
Licht is obviously referencing his Buccaneers eventually landing Rueben Bain. Baltimore went on to draft Zion Young during the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, so maybe everything worked out for the best. Everyone got their pass rusher.
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