Adam Peters hasn't been shy in making trades this offseason to improve the Washington Commanders' chances of another deep playoff run in 2025. One NFL analyst believes he should go down this route again to solve a critical need.
The Commanders have already pulled off two notable trades for outstanding performers this offseason. Peters gave a fifth-round pick to his old employers to acquire versatile wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., who is highly motivated to embrace a new challenge and silence his doubters after being cast aside by the San Francisco 49ers.
Peters also pulled off a coup by landing left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans. This is the best blindside enforcer Washington's had since Trent Williams. It also reaffirmed their commitment to quarterback Jayden Daniels after his rookie campaign for the ages.
NFL analyst once again implores Commanders to trade for Trey Hendrickson
This leaves the Commanders with just five selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. It would be difficult financially to pull off another trade, but that didn't stop Mason Cameron from Pro Football Focus from pitching a proposal for another elite-level veteran.
The analyst, along with several others throughout the offseason, thought the Commanders should trade for Trey Hendrickson rather than take their chances on an emerging rookie from the college ranks. The Cincinnati Bengals have been reluctant to move the player, but it's a fluid situation that could go either way right now.
"Washington’s defense struggled to generate pressure off the edge, posting just a 19.4% pass-rush win rate (24th in the NFL) at the position while Dorance Armstrong finished as the only edge rusher to post a PFF pass-rush grade above 66.0. [Trey] Hendrickson requested permission to seek a trade earlier this offseason. The 30-year-old pass-rusher was also seeking an extension with his contract set to expire after the 2025 season but now appears to be the odd man out in Cincy’s future. Coming off the best season of his career, where he earned a top-five PFF pass-rush grade (90.4) while leading the NFL in sacks (18), Hendrickson profiles as the perfect piece to elevate Dan Quinn’s defense."Mason Cameron
The Bengals are reportedly looking to extend Hendrickson after finally getting deals worked out with Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. Nothing has materialized as yet, so it might be worth Peters placing a call to see where things stand.
Hendrickson represents an immediate upgrade on anything Washington possesses in its edge-rushing room currently. He's an All-Pro-level player with 35 sacks over the last two seasons. He's also a driving leadership force in the locker room capable of fitting into the Commanders' new culture shift seamlessly.
This sounds nice, but it remains unlikely. The Commanders might not have the expendable draft capital to get this deal over the line even if they wanted to. There's also the small matter of Hendrickson wanting a new deal, which is going to cost more than $30 million per year looking at the recent market explosion.
The Commanders seem content with going forward with the veterans they have and maybe adding another dynamic piece via the draft. That won't come with Hendrickson's proven credentials, but the front-office leader focused his trade assets on helping Daniels continue his rapid ascent to superstardom.
That was the right call. Even if it means missing out on Hendrickson.