The Washington Commanders have an obvious need for at edge rusher this offseason. Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals wants a new deal that pays him as one of the top defensive players in the league. On paper, the match seems to be one made in heaven. But as Hendrickson’s contract stand-off with the Bengals continues into the later portions of March and potentially into April, any hope of a trade or extension appears less and less likely.
The latest update from Hendrickson’s camp certainly doesn’t help matters, either. And it’s not just bad news for the Bengals. “I think it’s entirely possible, based on what I’m hearing, for him to sit out the year if he doesn’t get a new deal,” ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler said. “I think that’s his mindset right now.” If Hendrickson is willing to sit out games with the Bengals, that isn’t great news for the Commanders. Washington is a team that is trying to address their edge rusher need as quickly as possible. To acquire a player with 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons is something that turns Washington’s defense from good to elite in a single night. But that all changes if Hendrickson sits out games. A similar thing happened last offseason to one of the league’s best edge defenders. Haason Reddick wanted a new deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and was traded to the New York Jets to get one done. Related: Washington’s ‘Over The Hill Gang’ Making Comeback in 2025 A deal was never agreed to, though, and Reddick recorded just a single sack after choosing to sit out for half the season. Now, the formerly perceived elite defender was only able to scrounge a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
There is an update here out of Cincy, where it seems there is movement toward a deal. And there is this: Washington wouldn’t be trading for him without also setting up a new $30 million per year deal. So the “sit-out” idea is mostly bad news for his present employer … And the “getting closer” rumor is the one that’s bad news for any bidders. Related: Commanders’ ‘Secret Weapon’ Ranked As Best ‘Under The Radar’ Signing..
