The Washington Commanders improved their pass rush during Dan Quinn’s first season as head coach. But by adding another elite pass rusher such as Trey Hendrickson, the Commanders defense could reach another level in 2025.
That’s the star edge rusher Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton argued Washington should pursue this spring. On April 13, Moton proposed the Commanders acquire Hendrickson in a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals.
“The Bengals may take an edge-rusher with the No. 17 pick in the upcoming draft. If that happens, Cincinnati could make phone calls right after its first-round pick,” wrote Moton.
“Cincinnati should call the Washington Commanders. The Commanders lost their 2024 sack leader, Dante Fowler Jr., who went back to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Washington’s top remaining edge-rushers, Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell, combined for 8.5 sacks last year.
“If the Commanders acquire Trey Hendrickson, he would be their top pass-rusher and give them a much-needed boost on the edge. Washington finished 14th in pressure rate (22.6 percent) last season.”
Moton proposed the Commanders send their 2025 second-round pick (No. 61 overall) and a 2026 fifth-rounder to Cincinnati for Hendrickson. In Moton’s proposal, Washington also received a 2025 sixth-round pick (No. 193 overall).
Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks during the 2024 season. The 30-year-old edge rusher also had 46 combined tackles, including 19 tackles for loss and 36 quarterback hits. Furthermore, he had six pass defenses and two forced fumbles.
The veteran edge rusher also had 17.5 sacks in 2023. Hendrickson has reached double-digits in sacks in four of the past five seasons. He’s made four consecutive Pro Bowls as well.
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Hendrickson has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason because of the big contracts the Bengals have handed out to other stars on their roster.
Cincinnati agreed to contracts worth as much as a combined $175 million for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on March 16 that Chase agreed to a four-year, $161 million deal while Higgins received a four-year, $115 million contract.
In September 2023, the Bengals also signed Joe Burrow to a five-year, $275 million deal. That means in 2025, Cincinnati will have about 33% of their salary cap dedicated to those three star players.
Hendrickson is, without a doubt, another star. But even as Cincinnati’s best defender, it’s not clear how the Bengals will be able to afford another big deal for Hendrickson under the salary cap.
Hendrickson signed a one-year extension with the Bengals two years ago to stay in Cincinnati. But he will be entering a contract season this fall if the team and edge rusher don’t agree to a new deal.
If the two sides don’t reach a new deal, Hendrickson will count as a $18.6 million cap hit this upcoming season. Depending on the new contract, the Bengals could lower that hit in 2025 although cap hits typically rise over their duration.
However, the NFL salary cap also usually increases every year.
The Commanders are a potential landing spot for Hendrickson through a trade because Washington lost edge rusher Dante Fowler to their NFC East rival, the Dallas Cowboys.
Fowler led Washington with 10.5 sacks last season.
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