Washington Commanders fans were still dreaming of acquiring defensive end Trey Hendrickson via trade at some stage during the offseason. Adam Peters hasn't bowed to their demands, which is thanks in no small part to the team's frantic trade activity since switching to win-now mode quickly.
And now, the dream might be close to being over for good.
Hendrickson was at loggerheads with the Cincinnati Bengals over a new deal. He wants to be paid among the league's best pass-rushers, and his 35 sacks over the last two seasons warrant another commitment from the notoriously cheap franchise. This hasn't arrived as yet, but one notable development represents a positive step in the right direction.
Trey Hendrickson contract talks resume, which is bad news for the Commanders
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Bengals and Hendrickson have resumed talks over a new contract. This was always the player's preference, so it shouldn't take long for something to get worked out if the money matches his on-field influence.
The two sides have resumed communication on his contract and future with the team, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Sunday. [Trey] Hendrickson, who is coming off an All-Pro season and was the NFL's sack leader with 17.5 in 2024, says he remains steadfast in his desire for a long-term contract extension. But this is a positive turn in what has been a fierce stalemate. Hendrickson did not participate in any of the team's offseason workouts, including last week's mandatory minicamp. By missing the three-day session, Hendrickson was subject to fines of nearly $105,000.Ben Bay via ESPN
Although this will probably sting some sections of the fan base, Hendrickson was never a legitimate option for the Commanders. Peters spent significant resources to get cornerback Marshon Lattimore, wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the organization in recent months. Giving up a king's ransom for the All-Pro edge force, as well as handing him a megabucks deal upon his arrival, never seemed feasible.
That does nothing to detract from the concerns around Washington's pass rush heading into the season. Peters seems quietly confident, especially if Javon Kinlaw can impact one defensive end spot in the right situations. But with nobody coming to the fore over Washington's mandatory minicamp, pressure is building to take decisive action.
This won't include Hendrickson. He'll be rewarded by the Bengals unless there is a drastic (and potentially fatal) breakdown in negotiations this time. Considering they are also dealing with issues regarding first-round pick Shemar Stewart's deal, tying down their most prolific defender is imperative no matter the cost.
As for the Commanders? They're content with what they have for now. Whether that changes before Week 1 is another matter.
