As more time passes, it’s becoming abundantly clear that Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals are headed for a divorce.
Hendrickson has publicly expressed his frustration with the way things have gone with the team in contract talks, and there is no sign that the Bengals are going to budge and actually pay the man the money he deserves.
The four-time Pro Bowler also revealed that he will not play on his current contract this season, which sets up a scenario for a trade.
And, with that, Justin Melo of The Draft Network suggested potential landing spots for Hendrickson if he’s dealt, and Melo listed the Washington Commanders as one team that could have interest.
The Washington Commanders have been incredibly aggressive this offseason, acquiring veteran talent on offense via trade, such as Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel. The goal is to maximize their championship window while franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels remains on his affordable rookie contract. Hendrickson would seriously upgrade their pass-rushing unit.
Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell project as the starting defensive ends. The Commanders lost Dante Fowler to free agency and didn’t replace him with anybody notable. Head coach Dan Quinn could have one final roster upgrade in mind. Hendrickson would completely transform Quinn’s defensive line. The Commanders are scheduled to have the sixth-most cap space next offseason, so they can afford to extend Hendrickson.
The Commanders are thinking Super Bowl in 2025 after making it all the way to the NFC Championship Game in 2024 following a historic rookie season from quarterback Jayden Daniels.
However, their edge rusher group remains a big concern.
The team lost its 2024 sacks leader, Dante Fowler Jr., who tallied 10.5 in his lone season in Washington before moving on to join the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.
Adding Hendrickson would be just what the doctor ordered for Washington, as he’d be an upgrade over Fowler and would elevate Washington’s defense to another level.
Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season and no edge rusher in the league has more sacks (35) than him since 2023.
The Commanders would likely have to give up at least a Day 2 pick for the star edge rusher, and then they’d have to turn around and give him an extension that should fall somewhere in the range of $30-$40 million annually.
That would no doubt be an expensive venture, but Hendrickson would be worth it and the Commanders should do whatever it takes to cash in on a Super Bowl window that is wide open.
