The stars could be aligning for the Washington Commanders to make another bold trade this offseason. This time, All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson is the potential acquisition capable of getting head coach Dan Quinn's squad over the hump in 2025.
One NFL analyst put together what he believes to be an acceptable package that would no doubt send shockwaves through the league if it came to fruition.
Hendrickson is taking things personally with the Cincinnati Bengals, and rightfully so. The pass-rusher believes promises have been broken regarding a new deal. He's gone on another media tirade criticizing the organization this week, which stemmed from the AFC North club cutting off negotiations with the four-time Pro Bowler.
This inevitably came with speculation regarding a move away from the Bengals. The Commanders are light of legitimate edge threats, but general manager Adam Peters is relatively low on disposable assets after trading for Marshon Lattimore, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Laremy Tunsil in recent months.
Commanders sacrifce high-end capital for Trey Hendrickson in blockbuster projection
Mike Moraitis from Sporting News outlined a trade offer that could work out well for both sides. This involved some high-end draft capital and Dorance Armstrong Jr., who joined the Commanders last year but achieved just a 14 percent pass-rush win rate in 2024.
This would actually be a solid deal for both sides. The Bengals get some great draft capital back for Hendrickson and a solid edge rusher who can replace him in the short term. We don't love Cincinnati sending back a second-rounder, but would be OK with a mid-round pick to get this done. Meanwhile, the Commanders get an edge rusher who is an upgrade over [Dante] Fowler and single-handedly improves Washington's chances of winning a Super Bowl.Mike Moraitis
Hendrickson would help Washington's quest for the Super Bowl. Giving up a first-round pick, even if they get a second-rounder in return, would be a contentious issue. Parting ways with Armstrong, who'd ideally line up opposite the former Florida Atlantic standout on the defensive front, wouldn't be ideal either.
This is all hearsay and nothing more right now. Peters seems content with the options available, but his aggressive mindset means he'll never stop looking for upgrades if the right opportunities present themselves.
The Commanders are being taken seriously again. They are a hot commodity and one of the leading Super Bowl challengers in 2025. Hendrickson would probably still like to stay in Cincinnati, but joining this ambitious project with a big chip on his shoulder represents a win-win for all parties.
