Even though the Washington Commanders spent big money by agreeing to terms with athletic pass-rusher Odafe Oweh, general manager Adam Peters was eager to add another prominent difference-maker on the defensive edge. He eventually settled on K'Lavon Chaisson, but reports suggest there was a much bigger name in the frame.
The edge rushing situation around the league took a seismic shift when the Baltimore Ravens backed out of their blockbuster trade to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. This looked like a done deal, but the AFC North club had enough doubt about the knee injury to look elsewhere. And they set their sights firmly on All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Ravens have agreed to terms with Hendrickson on a four-year, $120 million deal with $60 million guaranteed. That is a lot of money, but it apparently didn't stop the Commanders from being heavily involved in negotiations.
Commanders stayed aggressive with Trey Hendrickson despite Odafe Oweh deal
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler named the Commanders among those who were in the mix for Hendrickson. Beat writer John Keim went one step further, claiming Washington was heavily involved right until the end before the Ravens came in over the top.
Was told the Commanders were “very aggressive”. In it until the end. But.. opted for the Ravens. https://t.co/mgsyuagxGE
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 11, 2026
Spending top-tier money on another edge rusher after acquiring Oweh would have been a startling development. Baltimore was desperate after pulling the plug on Crosby. The franchise gave the former Florida Atlantic standout precisely what he was looking for, both contractually and in terms of fit. Nobody else was willing to match.
Peters was not satisfied. Oweh will help, of course, but the Commanders' lack of consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season was a problem he didn't want to see again. Chaisson should become an asset, but even that might not be enough if Washington's audacious bid attempt to land Hendrickson is any indication.
The Commanders either didn't do enough to convince Hendrickson, or they didn't want to match the Ravens' offer. This isn't the first big-name target to go elsewhere, but this particular blow is softened by the arrivals of Oweh and Chaisson during the legal tampering window.
It was a weird situation between Crosby and the Ravens, which eventually led to Hendrickson joining the ranks. But for the Commanders, it shows Peters is being aggressive in his quest to get this organization back on the correct path to perennial contention.
He won't get every target, but the defensive acquisitions that have appeared so far offer reasons for encouragement. Hendrickson would have been nice, of course. However, he's also aging and coming off a longstanding injury himself.
Win some, lose some...