This is something that could interest the Commanders.
The Washington Commanders have been strongly linked with a trade for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett this offseason. It didn't take long for another All-Pro edge rusher's name to come up following a notable development around the league.
It's no secret that the Commanders are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements. They reached the NFC Championship game last season but were undone in the trenches when it mattered. That won't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters, who knows Washington's Super Bowl window is open and the urgency attached to building around quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract.
Peters made his intentions abundantly clear by trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., which cost nothing more than a fifth-round pick. That doesn't solve their defensive issues, but it does portray an aggressive mindset from the Commanders' standpoint heading into the recruitment period.
Insider expects Commanders to make daring trade bid for Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson is a name to watch. The Cincinnati Bengals have permitted the defensive end to seek a trade, focusing their attention on retaining the offensive playmakers around Joe Burrow. Jordan Schultz from FOX Sports revealed that the Commanders are among the teams expected to show interest. Whether they can get something worked out is another matter.
Hendrickson's been among the league's most prolific edge defenders for the last five seasons. He's taken his game to new heights over the previous two, gaining 35 sacks and becoming a relentless force against the run for good measure.
The former third-round pick is heading into the final year of his deal and wants to be paid again. The Commanders have enough salary-cap space to pull this off, especially once veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is traded or released as expected. This also fills a need and fits into the team's win-now mindset with head coach Dan Quinn leading the charge.
Hitting the sweet spot from a compensation perspective is the tricky part.
Washington boasts six draft selections currently. Peters would be reluctant to sacrifice his high-end capital regardless of how good Hendrickson is. At the same time, this represents a more affordable solution to the team's pass-rushing complications than Garrett, which would take multiple first-round picks and a record-breaking deal.
Hendrickson would make any team better. This is a business decision by the Bengals — a calculated risk done with no intent other than to keep Burrow happy. There will be a robust market for the Florida Atlantic product, who emerged from relative obscurity over his first two seasons with the New Orleans Saints to rack up 77 career sacks to date.
Peters will make a call. Hendrickson's on-field production, leadership, and relentless mindset represent an outstanding fit for the Commanders. Washington might be put off by the compensation, but they have to try.
If Peters managed to pull this off, it's the biggest trade he's made since taking the job, clearing Marshon Lattimore and Samuel by a considerable margin. It would also make the league sit up and take notice — not for the first time in his brief tenure.
As always, watch this space…
