Ravens sign Trey Hendrickson as Chiefs land Super Bowl MVP Walker
The Baltimore Ravens have signed star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in a dramatic free agency twist, while the Kansas City Chiefs acquired Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to bolster their struggling offense.
NFL franchises have already committed more than $4.5bn (£2.8bn) during a frantic opening to the 2026 transaction period.
Baltimore initially appeared set to acquire Las Vegas Raiders standout Maxx Crosby before abandoning the blockbuster trade at the eleventh hour.
Concerns over the defensive end’s recent knee surgery and the steep asking price of two first-round draft picks reportedly triggered the sudden collapse.
Ravens pivot to Hendrickson
Following the Crosby collapse, the Maryland-based franchise swiftly secured Cincinnati’s primary edge rusher on a four-year contract worth $112m (£84m).
New head coach Jesse Minter faces immediate pressure to deliver a championship while two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson remains at the peak of his powers.
Acquiring such a disruptive defensive force fills a major roster void and directly weakens an AFC North divisional rival.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow now faces the daunting prospect of lining up against his former teammate twice a season.
Chiefs seek redemption with Walker
Meanwhile, Kansas City are desperately attempting to rebuild following a disastrous campaign marred by Patrick Mahomes suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
The fallen dynasty secured a major offensive upgrade by prying former Seattle Seahawks running back Walker away on a three-year, $45m (£34m) agreement.
The dynamic playmaker recently became the first player at his position to win Super Bowl MVP honours since 1998.
His arrival provides offensive mastermind Andy Reid with a potent dual-threat weapon to revitalise a unit that has surprisingly failed to rank above 15th in scoring over the past three seasons.
Kelce commits to Kansas City
Walker will be joined at Arrowhead Stadium by veteran tight end Travis Kelce.
The legendary pass-catcher has agreed to terms on a restructured contract to return for a 14th professional campaign.
While technically a three-year extension, the $12m (£9m) pact is functionally a one-year commitment designed to provide the Chiefs with crucial salary cap relief.