The Cincinnati Bengals and edge defender Trey Hendrickson have yet to make any progress on a contract extension, and a trade becomes more and more likely with each passing day. With first-round pick Shemar Stewart still unsigned, Cincinnati could shop one of its high-profile pass rushers, but the Washington Commanders will not be involved in any bidding wars, at least not in the short term.
According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, the Washington Commanders plan on evaluating their in-house pass rushers before adding any outside talent. While a move could theoretically happen closer to the regular season, Standig’s report suggests Washington is content to roll with Deatrich Wise, Dorrance Armstrong, and former first-round pick Clelin Ferrell for the time being.
Despite making it to the NFC Championship Game last year, Washington’s pass rush is one of the weaker units in the game. This team could benefit from a Trey Hendrickson trade, but if they’re not interested, then one of these other three teams could go after the star pass rusher.
Commanders Won’t Trade For Trey Hendrickson, Others Could
Other Fits
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers added two young, high-ceiling pass rushers in second-round pick Nic Scourton and third-round pick Princely Umamielen. While these two rookies hold the promise of the unknown, they also might need time to adjust to life in the NFL. Trey Hendrickson is a proven superstar who can rack up double-digit sacks, and a trade could be the missing piece to turn this franchise around. With the offense finishing 2024 on a high note, an improved defense could help the Panthers compete in a wide-open NFC South.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have one of the league’s best pass rushers in former second-overall pick Aidan Hutchinson. Unfortunately, that’s all they have, as the rest of the depth chart is comprised of unremarkable veterans and untested youngsters. With defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn now leading the New York Jets, Detroit must find additional on-field talent to mitigate the off-field loss. A Trey Hendrickson trade could turn a position of weakness into one of the Lions’ greatest strengths, and Hendrickson’s physical style of play should mesh well with head coach Dan Campbell.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon inherited a flawed Arizona Cardinals roster, so nobody should blame him for missing the playoffs in each of his first two seasons. However, if this team doesn’t show improvement in Year 3, he could be out of a job in 2026. While the Cardinals have the offensive talent to make a push, the defense must improve. A Trey Hendrickson trade is a great way to not only improve a weak pass rush, but also to show the league the Arizona Cardinals are ready to compete.
Main Photo: Kareem Elgazzar – Imagn Images
