For a few brief hours on Tuesday, Bengals fans thought they had dodged a bullet.
News broke on March 6 that the Baltimore Ravens had traded for five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby, the kind of game-wrecking defensive end Cincinnati desperately needs. The reaction around Bengals Nation − and mine − was immediate and mostly unprintable.
Then came the twist Tuesday night. Crosby failed his physical, and Baltimore backed out of the deal.
Crisis averted. Or so it seemed.
Hours later, the Ravens pivoted and signed former Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract − turning what felt like a moment of relief for Cincinnati into something much worse.
Instead of worrying about Crosby terrorizing Joe Burrow, the Bengals now have to face a motivated and likely vengeful Hendrickson twice a year wearing Ravens purple.
From relief to a dagger
Hendrickson and the Bengals had spent the past few seasons trying − and failing − to reach a long-term deal. The Bengals already fielded one of the worst defenses in the league last season. A healthy Hendrickson was the Bengals’ one consistent source of pressure.
Losing him hurts. But losing him to your fiercest AFC North rival?
That’s a dagger.
What makes the Ravens’ approach even more striking is what we learned afterward. According to an NFL Network report, Baltimore had been exploring acquiring Hendrickson even before the Crosby trade collapsed. In fact, the Ravens were trying to land both.
Think about that for a second.
They weren’t just going all in. They were going for the kill − attempting to add two of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers.
That kind of killer instinct is something I wish the Bengals showed more often.
A good start, but not nearly enough
To be fair, the Bengals did have a solid first day of free agency.
They added Seattle Seahawks defensive end Boye Mafe, a young edge rusher who should help a struggling pass rush. They also signed Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook, a Cincinnati Bearcats alum who brings physicality to the secondary. Both players should make a difference.
But since then, things have gone quiet.
The legal tampering window opened with energy and optimism. Now Bengals fans are waiting again − watching the rest of the league make moves while Cincinnati sits mostly still.
It’s not time to panic yet. But it does make you nervous.
Some fans are now wondering whether the Bengals might try to make a play for Crosby themselves. Cincinnati reportedly sniffed around the deal late in the process before Baltimore initially snagged him.
But if the Las Vegas Raiders are still asking for two first-round picks, don’t expect the Bengals to be in that market. That price tag is probably too rich for their blood.
All in means more than this
The Bengals still have time to shape this roster.
Free agency isn’t over. The NFL Draft − where Cincinnati holds the 10th overall pick − could bring help on defense. There are still moves to be made.
But what we’ve seen so far isn’t enough.
Director of player personnel Duke Tobin has repeatedly insisted the Bengals are “all in” this offseason. So far, what we’ve seen looks more like a toe in the water.
The Ravens, meanwhile, are diving headfirst.
They tried to land Crosby. When that fell apart, they pivoted immediately and scooped up Hendrickson. That’s urgency. And that’s what teams chasing championships look like.
The Bengals have made some good moves. But good isn’t good enough in the AFC North. Not when you’re staring down a murderer’s row of pass rushers that includes Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, and now Hendrickson.
All in means you’re willing to take the plunge. So far, I remain unconvinced.
Opinion and Engagement Editor Kevin S. Aldridge is a diehard Bengals fan and can be reached at kaldridge@enquirer.com. On X: @kevaldrid.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ravens snatch Hendrickson. Bengals still treading water | Opinion
Reporting by Kevin S. Aldridge, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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