Ravens land a game-changer in recent free agency projection

Mock drafts typically prove inaccurate. Suggested trade theories are never listened to by the Baltimore Ravens organization. Fantasy football is just that. Fantasy. Why do we invest so much time into this stuff, you ask? Are you kidding? Do you see how much fun this stuff is?

By the time the NFL Combine is over, and free agency actually arrives, we probably would have already pieced a draft board together. Who cares if the Ravens don't pick most of the guys who are on it? What else do you expect us to do with all of this free time?

The truth is, we can spend hours analyzing the Ravens' salary cap. We can rank impending free agents by priority, or we can instead use the energy to create a list of the best replacement options for Tyler Linderbaum if the Ravens can't get a deal done.

In our spare time, we'll read the theories of others. We actually came across one recently. Bleacher Report's Alex Kay recently developed a theory on the best team fits for the top impending free agents at every position.

The bad news is he rolls with an idea that we've tossed around before. The Ravens lose Tyler Linderbaum to the New York Giants, but unlike our idea, he offers a consolation prize. Baltimore adds the best pass rusher, who is set to hit the open market.

Bleacher Report believes Baltimore is the best fit for Trey Hendrickson in a recent free-agency projection.

Let's first talk about Linderbaum. Kay sees him signing a four-year, $79 million deal to land with the Giants. Here's some of his rationale:

"Only 25 years old and coming off three consecutive Pro Bowl campaigns, the Baltimore Ravens center won't be cheap. Fellow centers Creed Humphrey and Cam Jurgens both signed deals worth more than $17 million per year in recent seasons, and that will likely be the starting point in Linderbaum's contract negotiations... Linderbaum's contributions are worth the investment."  

The Ravens have work to do if they're going to clear enough cap space to land Hendrickson. Let's, however, assume Kay is right, and they do. Here's the explanation for the Ravens' acquisition of a former rival.

"While his (2025) campaign was a bust, he's only a year removed from the latest of his back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons. The four-time Pro Bowler has long been considered one of the NFL's best pass-rushers and shouldn't have much trouble regaining that status with a new team in 2026... Landing with one of Cincy's fierce AFC North rivals could be exactly what Hendrickson needs to rejuvenate his career. The Baltimore Ravens make perfect sense for the 31-year-old to sign with and could help him quickly return to superstar form.

That's quite the consolation prize. Can you imagine the joy every Ravens fan would have while watching Hendrickson chase Joe Burrow around? Again, it would take a lot to get this done. Bleacher Report projects his new deal would land in the two-year, $40 million range, but since we're on the subject, it's fair to ask.

If they're willing (and able) to pay that, why not shell out the necessary cash to keep Linderbaum on the roster?

Oh well... We won't dig too deep, not for another week or so at least. That comes later. Free agency begins on March 11.

In the meantime, here's the verdict, though it may change. Despite previous differences, fans would welcome Hendrickson with open arms, but given the price tag, we'd rather keep our center if at all possible. If all goes according to plan, he'll be playing this game for many years to come.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens land a game-changer in recent free agency projection