Trey Hendrickson to Commanders Heating Up: Bengals Star Edge Rusher on the Move?

By Jason Bolton June 19, 2025 09:38

The 2025 NFL offseason has been rife with trade rumors, and few stories have captured as much attention as the potential move of star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Washington Commanders. As the Bengals and Hendrickson remain at an impasse over a contract extension, the Commanders have emerged as a leading suitor eager to bolster their pass rush and push for a Super Bowl run. But how close is this blockbuster trade to becoming reality?

Hendrickson, 30, has been one of the NFL’s most productive edge rushers over the past two seasons, leading the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024 and accumulating 35 sacks over that span. His relentless pressure and ability to disrupt opposing offenses have made him a coveted asset. Yet, despite his elite production, Hendrickson remains unsigned beyond the 2025 season, with the Bengals reluctant to meet his demands for a top-tier contract commensurate with his impact.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals and Hendrickson have resumed contract talks, but the stalemate persists. Hendrickson reportedly wants to be paid among the league’s best pass rushers, a salary the Bengals have yet to offer. This has led to speculation that the Bengals may consider moving him before the season to avoid a protracted holdout or potential fines.

The Washington Commanders have long been linked to Hendrickson, and their interest has only intensified as they aggressively pursue roster upgrades. Last offseason, the Commanders made bold moves acquiring veterans like Marshon Lattimore, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Laremy Tunsil, signaling a clear win-now approach. Adding Hendrickson would address a glaring need in their pass rush and complement their young quarterback Jayden Daniels, who remains on a cost-controlled rookie contract.

NFL analyst Jeffri Chadiha recently weighed in, stating, “This situation seems to be worsening by the day, which is a great reason why the Bengals should move Hendrickson before the season. He clearly could supply tremendous value to another team since he led the league with 17.5 sacks last year and Cincinnati needs to change a downward trajectory after missing the last two postseasons. Washington is a contender that could desperately use the pass-rush help and has the cap space to make this move happen.”

Trade proposals have surfaced, including one from ESPN’s Seth Walder suggesting the Commanders could send rookie defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton along with future draft picks to Cincinnati for Hendrickson. While the Commanders’ cap space and draft capital are limited after recent trades, their commitment to assembling a championship roster could make such a deal feasible.

However, the financial aspect remains a hurdle. Hendrickson’s current contract pays him about $28 million in 2025, below the market rate for elite edge rushers like Myles Garrett, who earns $40 million annually. Any acquiring team would likely need to offer a lucrative extension, adding complexity to negotiations.

The Bengals, meanwhile, face a tough choice: retain a disgruntled star risking holdout and fines or trade him and receive valuable assets to aid their rebuild. Hendrickson’s absence from mandatory minicamp and training camp would increase pressure on the Bengals to act.

The Trey Hendrickson trade to the Washington Commanders is heating up as contract talks stall and both teams weigh their options. For the Commanders, acquiring Hendrickson could be the missing piece to elevate their defense and legitimize their Super Bowl aspirations. For the Bengals, moving Hendrickson could be a pragmatic step to reset and rebuild.