The Washington Commanders are in a spot to take a shot.
They've got superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels on a rookie contract, which frees up money to be spent elsewhere.
Some would say they should give that available money to star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and that's a fair point.
But if the Commanders want to go in a different direction with their cash, they could target a trade for Trey Hendrickson.
The Cincinnati Bengals' star defensive end either wants a new contract or wants out of Cincy, not desiring to play this season for the $16 million he's owed in the last season of his current contract.
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If the Commanders were to acquire Hendrickson, they'd likely give him a big extension worth more than $30 million per year.
The Sporting News' Daniel Chavkin sees this as a possible trade pairing.
His suggested deal:
- Commanders receive: Trey Hendrickson, 2026 third-round pick
- Bengals receive: 2026 first-round pick, DT Johnny Newton
Here's why Chavkin thinks this could work:
"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. 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."
It fits the mold of the reportedly desired package of a first-rounder and a young defender.
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It's an intriguing haul on both sides. Washington would have a better chance of winning a Super Bowl by getting Hendrickson. The Bengals get a first-round pick that will likely fall outside of the top-20 next year, along with a talented interior defensive lineman in Newton.
This might not be quite enough for Cincinnati to pull the trigger, but if the Bengals wanted to go for this, it'd probably work out for the Commanders, too.
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