The Washington Commanders have already been aggressive in the trade market this offseason. One NFL analyst believes Adam Peters could still have room for another marquee addition before attention turns to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Peters knows how important the next three seasons are. Jayden Daniels is on a rookie contract and proved his worth as a future NFL MVP candidate. Capitalizing on this window through bold acquisitions wasn't initially in the Commanders' plans, but it further highlights the benefit of landing a franchise-caliber presence under center.
Last year's trade for Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore was the first big play. The Commanders gave up a fifth-round selection for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and more valuable resources to secure prolific left tackle Laremy Tunsil's services. Their time to strike has arrived, and Peters will stop at nothing to find the upgrades needed.
One of the areas where the Commanders could use an elite difference-maker is their pass-rushing room. Veteran pieces were acquired in free agency and Clelin Ferrell re-signed, but Washington is missing that productive weapon capable of taking over games when in the mood.
Commanders projected to target Trey Hendrickson via trade despite recent activity
Logan Ulrich from NFL Trade Rumors thought the Commanders should make a play for Trey Hendrickson despite landing Samuel and Tunsil this offseason. The analyst believes this is the all-in move Washington needs to make in pursuit of getting over the hump next time around.
"There’s a reason [Adam] Peters has been that aggressive, however, as the ascendance of QB Jayden Daniels has made Washington a legitimate Super Bowl contender. They were one game away from playing for a Lombardi last year in the first year under Peters, HC Dan Quinn and [Jayden] Daniels. A pedal-to-the-floor approach to maximize the window of Daniels’ rookie contract makes sense, and one of the remaining needs for the Commanders is more juice at pass rush. They’re one of the teams so far that’s been linked to having trade interest in [Trey] Hendrickson."Logan Ulrich
Hendrickson is an elite edge force. He brings All-Pro-caliber production to the table and represents an immediate upgrade on anything the Commanders have. Even so, there are some significant hurdles to overcome before this scenario comes to fruition.
The Cincinnati Bengals placed a high asking price on Hendrickson — rumored to be a first-round selection — despite switching their significant investments to keep the team's core offensive players intact. Considering the Commanders only have five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the reported demands need to come down beforehand.
There's also the small matter of Hendrickson's contract. He's got one more year remaining on his deal and counts $18.66 million against the salary cap in 2025. The Commanders have $20.98 million available with 62 players tied to deals. An extension for the pass-rusher would get that number down, but that's not going to be cheap given the recent deals handed to Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett.
Nothing can be completely ruled out and Hendrickson would help considerably. But the prospect seems less likely now than a few short weeks ago.
However, if Peters believes it's the move that can propel the Commanders to another Super Bowl, he won't hesitate.
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