Commanders Desperate for Edge Rush? Why a Trade for Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson Makes Sense

Commanders Desperate for Edge Rush? Why a Trade for Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson Makes Sense

The Washington Commanders are coming off a surprising 12-5 season in 2024, fueled by the stellar performance of Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, their journey ended in the NFC Championship due to a defense that struggled to contain the Philadelphia Eagles’ rushing attack. As the 2025 season approaches, the Commanders find themselves in a familiar position: desperately needing to bolster their edge rush. Could a trade for Cincinnati Bengals’ star Trey Hendrickson be the answer?

The Commanders’ Edge Rush Predicament

In 2024, the Commanders’ defensive line ranked a dismal 31st in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Their run defense was particularly poor, earning a 39.1 PFF grade. Dorance Armstrong Jr. was the only qualified player on the unit to earn an overall grade above 65.0. While the Commanders made some additions in free agency, including Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise Jr., questions remain about whether they’ve done enough to address their pass-rushing deficiencies.

The team’s struggles can be attributed, in part, to the departure of key players. The Commanders traded both Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2024 deadline, impacting their pass-rushing production. While Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne remain a formidable interior duo, the Commanders need consistent pressure from the edge to truly compete with the league’s best offenses.

Trey Hendrickson: A Proven Commodity

Trey Hendrickson has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. In 2024, he led the league with 17.5 sacks, and his 35 sacks since 2023 are the most in the NFL. Hendrickson’s consistent production and disruptive presence would provide an immediate boost to the Commanders’ defense.

However, Hendrickson’s future in Cincinnati is uncertain. He has requested permission to seek a trade, signaling his dissatisfaction with his current contract. With the Bengals having recently extended wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive deals, and quarterback Joe Burrow’s cap hit standing at a staggering $46.1 million for 2025, the Bengals may be hesitant to commit significant resources to Hendrickson.

Why a Trade Makes Sense for the Commanders

  1. Addressing a Critical Need: The Commanders’ need for an impactful edge rusher is undeniable. Hendrickson would immediately become the team’s top pass rusher, drawing attention from opposing offenses and creating opportunities for his teammates.

  2. Dan Quinn’s Defense: Head coach Dan Quinn has a proven track record of maximizing defensive talent. His ability to scheme and develop pass rushers could unlock even greater potential in Hendrickson.

  3. Veteran Leadership: Hendrickson is an eight-year NFL veteran who can provide valuable leadership to a relatively young Commanders’ defense. His experience and work ethic would set a positive example for his teammates.

  4. Impact on Jayden Daniels: An improved pass rush would benefit quarterback Jayden Daniels and the entire Commanders’ offense. By forcing opposing quarterbacks into hurried throws and turnovers, the defense can create more scoring opportunities for the offense.

Potential Trade Obstacles

  1. Trade Compensation: The Bengals are likely to demand a significant return for Hendrickson, given his status as one of the league’s top pass rushers. The Commanders may need to part with valuable draft capital and/or players to acquire him.

  2. Contract Extension: Hendrickson is seeking a new contract, which could further increase the cost of acquiring him. The Commanders would need to be willing to commit long-term to Hendrickson at a significant price. Recent reports suggest Hendrickson is looking for a contract in the range of Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett, around $35-40 million per year.

  3. Bengals’ Hesitation: Despite Hendrickson’s trade request, the Bengals may be reluctant to part with such a valuable player. They could opt to try and mend fences with Hendrickson and work out a contract extension.

Potential Trade Packages

Several trade proposals have been floated, including one from Sporting News that suggests the Commanders send a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and Dorance Armstrong Jr. in exchange for Hendrickson and a 2026 second-round pick. While this may seem like a steep price, it could be worth it for the Commanders to acquire a proven pass rusher like Hendrickson.

Another proposal suggested by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler involves the Colts receiving Trey Hendrickson in exchange for a 2026 2nd round pick and a 2027 5th round pick.

Other Edge Rush Options

If a trade for Hendrickson proves too costly or impossible, the Commanders could explore other options to bolster their edge rush.

  1. Free Agency: While the top free-agent pass rushers have already been signed, there may be some value options available later in the offseason.

  2. The 2025 NFL Draft: The Commanders could use their first-round pick (No. 29 overall) to select an edge rusher. However, given their limited number of picks, they may be hesitant to use such a valuable asset on a position that could be addressed through a trade.

Conclusion

The Washington Commanders are in dire need of an upgrade to their edge rush. A trade for Trey Hendrickson would be a bold move that could transform their defense and elevate them into Super Bowl contention. While there are potential obstacles to overcome, the Commanders should strongly consider pursuing a trade for Hendrickson. The Commanders have the cap space to make this trade happen. With over $75 million in effective cap space, they are in a good position to absorb Hendrickson’s salary and potentially offer him a contract extension. The Commanders’ front office, led by general manager Adam Peters, has shown a willingness to be aggressive in pursuing talent. If they believe Hendrickson is the missing piece to their defense, they may be willing to pay the price to acquire him.