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By Justin Grasso
Contributing Sports Writer
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Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the Washington Commanders are in a much different position compared to last year. They are no longer a surprise to the league. Instead, they are expected to be right back in playoff contention, potentially making a push for a Super Bowl.
On paper, Washington looks like it will be better in 2025. A recent trade idea put together by ESPN presented a potential framework that could help the Commanders bring on a multi-time Pro Bowl player, boosting their defense ahead of next year.
What does the hypothetical deal look like?
In this case, the Commanders would acquire the veteran defensive end Trey Hendrickson. In exchange, the Cincinnati Bengals would land the defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
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"Washington is in win-now mode, but Dorance Armstrong is its best edge rusher. Adding Hendrickson, who recorded the second-best pass rush win rate at edge last season (24%), would be a huge boost," writes ESPN's Seth Walder.
"Losing Newton would make an old defense older, but the Commanders have strong veteran options on the interior defensive line in Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Deatrich Wise Jr. (who can move inside if needed). By including Newton in the deal, the Commanders can put together a feasible package without a second-round pick."
Hendrickson carries an impressive resume and recently earned his most notable accolade since entering the NFL as a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Since 2021, Hendrickson has made four Pro Bowl games. Last year, he was named an All-Pro for the first time in his career.
In 17 games, Hendrickson had 46 tackles. He led the NFL in sacks with 17.5, a number he achieved one season prior. It remains his career-high.
In this case, the Commanders would be cutting ties with a homegrown prospect. Just last year, the Commanders picked up Newton out of Illinois with the 36th overall pick. He started in 11 games and made 16 total appearances. The veteran pass rusher had 44 combination tackles and registered two sacks.
With the Commanders looking to beef up their chances of making it out of the NFC title game, they just might have to make some tough decisions regarding the future of some of their young prospects. Hendrickson seems to be in play for those who are interested.
Back in March, the Bengals reportedly granted Hendrickson permission to seek a trade. So far, the Bengals haven't received an offer worth their while.
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