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It’s getting down to cases for the Washington Commanders, including their negotiations with Terry McLaurin. Also, they must make a decision on what to do about Brian Robinson Jr. However, here is one last-minute trade the Commanders must make before Week 1 of the 2025 season.
The deal is out there. Waiting. The so-called NFL experts say it won’t happen. And they may be right. But it’s still the trade the Commanders must make.
Washington needs to beef up its pass rush, and the Bengals have put edge rusher Trey Hendrickson back on the market.
It’s simple. Do you want to go to the Super Bowl? If the Commanders answer yes, they must be bold and make this deal. It could make a huge difference for their defense and give them a legitimate chance of handling offenses like the Eagles and Lions in the playoffs.
How big would the impact be? The Commanders’ playoff chances would skyrocket, according to nflspinzone.
“I’m not trying to say the Washington Commanders don’t have a good shot at making the playoffs in 2025,” Sayre Bedinger wrote. “But their pass rush group is not very good and could hold them back. I’ve said that about a million times this offseason, so I’m preparing to be called out if Dan Quinn’s group doesn’t change and ends up being productive in the pass rush department yet again this year.
“But I don’t think any Commanders fan out there would disagree about the idea of possibly adding Hendrickson to the roster right now. The Commanders are planning on picking late in the 1st round anyway, and with the trades earlier this offseason to acquire both Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel, general manager Adam Peters has proven he’s willing to wheel and deal. Getting Hendrickson might even push the Commanders ahead of the Eagles on paper before the start of the season.”
The Bengals have a high price tag on Hendrickson, according to a post on X by Dianna Russini.
“Teams that have recently inquired about Bengals star Trey Hendrickson were told Cincinnati’s asking price included a young defensive player and a 2026 first-round pick, according to league sources. The player heading back does not have to be a pass rusher.”
Given that price, here’s what The Sporting News said the Commanders would have to surrender.
“Commanders receive: Trey Hendrickson, 2026 third-round pick
Bengals receive: 2026 first-round pick, DT Johnny Newton
“The Commanders could look to take advantage of Jayden Daniels’ rookie contract by trading for Hendrickson, who would instantly be the best defender on the team,” Daniel Chavkin wrote. “In exchange, they’d give up their first-rounder next year and Johnny Newton, a 22-year-old defense tackle whom the team drafted in the sixth round in 2024.”
At first glance, it may seem like a ton to give up in Newton. But he’s looking like...
