Hendrickson to Washington? Breaking Down the Trade Rumors and What It Means for the Commanders’ Defense

The Washington Commanders are coming off a surprising 12-5 season, making it all the way to the NFC Championship game. Quarterback Jayden Daniels’s performance was a major factor in their success. Now, with the 2025 season on the horizon, the Commanders are looking to bolster their roster and solidify their position as a top contender. Recent buzz suggests a potential blockbuster trade involving Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. But what’s the likelihood of Hendrickson landing in Washington, and what impact would he have on the Commanders’ defense?

The Rumor Mill: Hendrickson’s Trade Request

Trey Hendrickson, a dominant force on the Bengals’ defensive line, has reportedly requested a trade. This news has sent ripples throughout the league, with several teams expressing interest in acquiring the Pro Bowl pass rusher. According to NFL Trade Rumors writer Logan Ulrich, the Commanders are among the teams that have shown interest in Hendrickson.

Hendrickson’s desire for a trade stems from the Bengals’ shifting priorities. With the team focused on securing long-term deals for offensive stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Hendrickson appears to be the odd man out. This situation presents an opportunity for the Commanders to pounce and add an elite edge rusher to their defensive front.

Why Washington? The Commanders’ Need for a Pass Rush

The Commanders’ defense showed promise in 2024, but there’s room for improvement, especially in the pass-rushing department. While the team has made some additions in free agency, including re-signing Clelin Ferrell and acquiring veteran pieces, they still lack that dominant edge rusher who can consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

According to PFF, the Commanders finished with the second-worst defensive grade last year. They also noted that edge defender is still a need for the team, projecting Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise Jr. as the current starters.

Hendrickson would immediately address this need, bringing All-Pro-caliber production to the Commanders’ defensive line. In 2024, Hendrickson recorded a league-leading 17.5 sacks. Since the start of the 2020 season, Hendrickson has amassed 70.5 sacks, ranking third in the NFL behind only Myles Garrett (72.0) and T.J. Watt (73.5).

The Financials: Can the Commanders Afford Hendrickson?

One of the key factors in any potential trade is the financial aspect. Hendrickson is entering the final year of his contract and carries a cap hit of $18.66 million in 2025. The Commanders currently have a little over $20 million in available cap space.

While acquiring Hendrickson would require a significant financial commitment, the Commanders have the means to make it happen. Moreover, with quarterback Jayden Daniels still on his rookie contract, the team has financial flexibility to make bold moves and capitalize on their Super Bowl window.

It’s also worth noting that any team acquiring Hendrickson would likely need to extend his contract immediately. The Commanders have ample cap space in 2026, with over $105 million available. This financial flexibility would allow them to offer Hendrickson a long-term deal and secure his services for years to come.

The Trade Package: What Would the Commanders Have to Give Up?

The Bengals are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Hendrickson. However, considering that the Commanders only have five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, acquiring Deebo Samuel Sr. and Laremy Tunsil this offseason, the Bengals may need to lower their asking price.

One potential trade scenario involves the Commanders sending their first-round pick (No. 29 overall) and a fourth-round pick (No. 128 overall) to the Bengals in exchange for Hendrickson and a second-round pick (No. 49 overall). This trade would allow the Commanders to acquire an elite pass rusher while also recouping some draft capital.

Impact on the Commanders’ Defense

Adding Trey Hendrickson would have a transformative impact on the Commanders’ defense. His presence would not only improve the team’s pass rush but also elevate the performance of the entire defensive unit.

With Hendrickson drawing attention from opposing offensive lines, other defensive linemen like Jer’Zhan Newton and Daron Payne would have more opportunities to make plays. Additionally, Hendrickson’s ability to generate pressure would force opposing quarterbacks to make quicker decisions, leading to more turnovers and scoring opportunities for the Commanders’ offense.

Other Potential Trade Targets

While Hendrickson is the primary target, the Commanders could explore other options to bolster their pass rush. Some potential alternatives include:

Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College): A rising prospect whose stock is skyrocketing after the Combine.
Walter Nolan (Ole Miss): A physically gifted defensive tackle with raw power.
Jared Ivey (Ole Miss): A defensive lineman who can provide a long-term plan on the defensive line.

The clock is ticking

The NFL trade deadline is October 29th, so the Commanders have time to explore all options.

Final Thoughts: Is Hendrickson to Washington Realistic?

The possibility of Trey Hendrickson landing in Washington is certainly intriguing. The Commanders have a clear need for a dominant pass rusher, the financial resources to acquire Hendrickson, and a Super Bowl window to capitalize on.

However, several factors could complicate a potential trade, including the Bengals’ asking price and competition from other interested teams. Ultimately, whether Hendrickson ends up in Washington will depend on whether the Commanders are willing to meet the Bengals’ demands and outbid other suitors.

Regardless of whether the Commanders acquire Hendrickson, it’s clear that they are committed to improving their roster and competing for a Super Bowl. With a talented young quarterback in Jayden Daniels and an aggressive general manager in Adam Peters, the future looks bright for the Washington Commanders.