Trey Hendrickson's unhappiness about his current situation with the Cincinnati Bengals couldn't be clearer. The Washington Commanders must test their resolve in pursuit of finding an elite-level presence to bolster their pass rush.
Hendrickson didn't take kindly to Bengals executive vice president Kathy Blackburn's comments about the All-Pro defensive end's contract predicament. She felt he should be happy with either the money available or what was being offered. That was a step too far, which resulted in the former third-round pick going on the Pat McAfee Show to pull back the curtain on negotiations.
After revealing that there had been almost no communication and feeling disrespected by Blackburn's statement, trade speculation around Hendrickson reignited. Those who thought an extension with the Bengals was a foregone conclusion got fresh hope. The Commanders might be one of them.
Adam Peters has been incredibly active in the trade market this offseason, securing wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. This gets them a lot closer, but the Commanders still need a legitimate edge threat to propel their defense to greater heights.
Hendrickson ticks those boxes and more.
Commanders must explore Trey Hendrickson trade after scathing Bengals criticism
He's a model professional who always gives maximum effort to the cause. The leadership is exemplary, and his 35 sacks over the last two seasons are up there with anyone around the league. Washington would benefit greatly from having this sort of weapon on its defensive front, something that would also make things easier for the interior trio of Johnny Newton, Daron Payne, and free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw.
It's the sort of all-in move that's become synonymous with Peters in recent months. However, this would be the most difficult target to acquire.
The Commanders have only five draft picks at their disposal in 2025. They won't get a better player in the first or second round, but this might impact Peters' ethos to build through the college ranks even more after making a pivot from the original plan this offseason.
There's also the financial aspect to consider.
Hendrickson's displeasure stems from his contract. He's got one more year remaining on his deal and counts $18.66 million against the cap in 2025. An extension would almost immediately follow a trade, around $30 million per year is speculated, which jeopardizes future financial flexibility and makes things more complicated to strengthen other areas.
Washington is working hard to ensure they maximize Jayden Daniels' rookie contract. But at some point, the Commanders must find the right balance.
Hendrickson is 30 years old with a few more good years left. This represents an investment for the future as well as the present. Perhaps his public backlash will provoke a more professional response from the Bengals, but everything remains under a cloud for now.
It wouldn't hurt the Commanders to find out one way or another if Hendrickson is available and what it might take to acquire him. There are always ways to make the money side work, but Cincinnati has been pretty dug in up to now regarding the compensation required to attain the player.
Whether these latest developments turn the tide remains to be seen.
