Was There Ever Bad Blood Between Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals?

Trey Hendrickson will play against the Bengals for the first time since joining the Ravens in the offseason.

Was There Ever Bad Blood Between Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals?

Trey Hendrickson (Image via IMAGO)

On Sunday, Trey Hendrickson will face his former team, the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran edge rusher is looking forward to playing against Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.

Hendrickson spent the most successful part of his NFL career with the Bengals. He recorded at least 14 sacks on three separate occasions. He also finished the league’s best sack-maker in 2024 with 17.5.

Now with the Baltimore Ravens, Hendrickson will play against the Bengals on October 25 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. Ahead of the awaited clash, the 31-year-old made it clear that there’s no bad blood between him and the Bengals.

ESPN reporter Jamison Hensley on Thursday revealed that Hendrickson declined to discuss the emotions surrounding the reunion. He even avoided answering the question about sacking Burrow. Hendrickson said:

It’s not about me. It’s about the team and what I can bring and what we can collectively do as a unit.

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There’s no animosity between Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals

Hendrickson signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Bengals in 2021. Three years later, he urged the front office to give him a long-term extension. The talks dragged on to the 2025 season.

Was There Ever Bad Blood Between Trey Hendrickson and Bengals?
Trey Hendrickson (Image via IMAGO)

After failing to reach a middle ground, Hendrickson requested a trade. The Bengals told him to look for a trade partner. He didn’t show up for the offseason camp, and his search for a trade partner came up empty. Eventually, the Bengals increased his salary by $14 million, bringing the maximum value to $30 million in August.

He started 7 games and racked up 16 tackles, 4 sacks, and one pass deflection before undergoing hip surgery. In March 2026, the Ravens signed Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract ($60 million guaranteed). They also came close to locking down a trade for All-Pro pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

Although Hendrickson and the Bengals didn’t part on the best of terms, the 4x Pro Bowl holds no grudge against them:

As a Christian, I forgive, and I move on. There are wonderful times that I had there. There will be a time to reflect on all that stuff. But right now, there’s an opponent in front of us. As the Ravens, we look forward to capitalizing on everything we can.

Well, Burrow can’t think like that. In fact, he’s certain Hendrickson will be extra motivated to sack him on Sunday.

Burrow has played the Ravens eleven times in his career. He is 4-7 in those matchups. The Pro Bowler has a passer rating of 98.3 with 3,185 yards, 23 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

The last time these two teams played, the Bengals didn’t score a single point. Burrow threw 25 completions for 225 yards and 2 interceptions. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson went 8 of 12 for 150 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Baltimore won 24-0.

Ravens vs. Bengals odds:

The Bengals are 2.5-point favorites against the Ravens in Week 7 according to Sports Illustrated.

Spread

  • Bengals +2.5 (-102)
  • Ravens -2.5 (-118)

Moneyline

  • Bengals: +124
  • Ravens: -148

Total

  • 51.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Date, Time, and Venue for Ravens vs. Bengals

  • Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
  • Venue: M&T Bank Stadium
  • How to Watch (TV): CBS
  • Bengals record: 3-2
  • Ravens record: 4-2

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