It would be surprising if the Washington Commanders were planning another blockbuster trade this offseason. Given general manager Adam Peters is pushing all his chips into the middle, nothing should be completely ruled out.
And one player, in particular, is coming up in speculation above all else.
Things have simmered down slightly between the Cincinnati Bengals and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. The AFC North club showed no real willingness to move the All-Pro despite granting his trade request. After extending Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, most seem to think the prolific defensive end will be next on the agenda.
That hasn't happened as yet. It's been relatively quiet regarding developments with just a few short weeks remaining until organized team activities resume. The Commanders and others around the league will be watching developments closely, with a respected insider suggesting Hendrickson is willing to take drastic action in pursuit of getting extended or moved.
Trey Hendrickson could still be in play for the Commanders after new report
Jeremy Fowler from ESPN revealed after speaking to sources that Hendrickson is willing to sit out. Not just for offseason workouts or training camp, but the entire 2025 campaign if necessary.
"I think it's entirely possible, based on what I'm hearing, for him to sit out the year if he doesn't get a new deal. I think that's his mindset right now."Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) via Bleacher Report
Hendrickson is dug in and so are the Bengals. This is also only going to end one of two ways.
Either the Bengals will get Hendrickson the extension with the sort of money he's looking for, or they'll trade him to the highest bidder.
Any trade would be wise to occur before the 2025 NFL Draft. That gives Cincinnati the chance to stockpile assets and potentially find Hendrickson's long-term replacement from a deep class. The Bengals were reportedly looking for a first-round pick, which would have to come down for Washington (or anyone else) to seriously consider the possibility.
If Hendrickson is still around by the draft, he'll likely remain in Cincinnati whether he has a new deal or not. That seems like the most realistic outcome, especially considering he stated a desire to finish out his career in Cincinnati before things took a sour turn.
The Commanders have the draft capital to make Cincinnati an exciting offer. They don't have much of it after trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but Peters is in win-now mode. Paying him represents the biggest stumbling block considering the explosion in edge-rushing contracts around the league thanks to top-level performers like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett.
Hendrickson considers himself in the same bracket after gaining 35 sacks over the last two seasons. He's probably looking for more than $30 million per year on an extension. That would be difficult to manage, but not impossible while quarterback Jayden Daniels is still on a cheap rookie contract.
It would be surprising if a compromise wasn't reached between Hendrickson and his current employers. This also remains a potential powder keg waiting to go off at any moment.
Peters will be monitoring developments, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll make a move.
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