One of the key positions the Washington Commanders have been keeping an eye on this offseason is defensive lineman. Now with the news that veteran Jonathan Allen will be released, the Commanders will be certainly looking for his replacement. Allen just turned 30 in January and was injured for a portion of the 2024 season. Luckily, Washington general manager Adam Peters has his options for free agency. One of those options is Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson, who also turned 30, most recently sought permission to seek a trade from the Bengals. The eight-year veteran would be a worthy addition to Joe Whitt Jr.’s defense next season.
The Commanders Should Pursue Trey Hendrickson
Hendrickson’s Bengals Tenure
After spending his first four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Hendrickson truly broke out in Cincinnati in 2021. That season, the edge rusher finished with 34 tackles and 14 sacks, leading the Bengals’ defense to Super Bowl LVI. Hendrickson sacked notable quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers, Andy Dalton, Derek Carr, Patrick Mahomes, and Matthew Stafford.
Since 2021, Hendrickson has been one of the NFL’s top pass rushers. According to ESPN.com’s ESPN Research, he ranks third in pressure rate during that span. Hendrickson also ranks third in total sacks (57), right behind division rivals Myles Garrett (60) and T.J. Watt (58.5).
The 2024 season turned out to be Hendrickson’s best of his career, as he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks and was named first-team All-Pro. He also finished with 46 tackles, six passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Hendrickson recorded four sacks against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9, and then 3.5 sacks against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18.
Hendrickson’s Fit with the Commanders
Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. successfully revamped the team’s defense in 2024. In Whitt’s 4-3 defense, Hendrickson would most likely line up with fellow edge rusher Dorance Armstrong and defensive tackles Daron Payne and Johnny Newton. Coming off his best season with the Bengals in 2024, the addition of Hendrickson would certainly bolster Washington’s defensive line.
Hendrickson would also get to play alongside linebackers like Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, and Dante Fowler Jr. Wagner, 34, most recently re-signed with Washington for another season after originally signing a one-year deal with the team last year. after signing a one-year deal in 2024. Together, this front 7 would look even more elite against some of the NFL’s top offenses.
The Commanders trading for Hendrickson could also include giving up a draft pick. According to JP Finlay of NBC 4 DC, there is a type of compensation Cincinnati is reported to want for the pass rusher. This involves Washington holding the 61st and 79th picks in the NFL Draft, late second and early third round picks respectively. Whatever the cost, the Commanders have the cap space to acquire him.
Among their 6 picks, the Commanders hold the 61st and 79th picks in the NFL Draft, late 2nd and early 3rd round picks respectively. The type of compensation Cincy is reported to want for Trey Hendrickson. pic.twitter.com/LonKUaji7G
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 7, 2025
Effect on the NFC East
The 2024 NFL season showed that the Commanders are a completely different team than they once were. Washington’s NFC Championship appearance propelled them to possible Super Bowl contenders for 2025. The team’s addition of Hendrickson would have a major impact against fellow division rivals. With the way the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are running things these days, the veteran pass rusher should have no problem. However, it will be tough going up against the offensive line of the Philadelphia Eagles, who just won Super Bowl LIX.
Main Photo: [Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer] – USA Today Sports
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