BREAKING: Major contract update bursts door open for another Commanders trade option
Adam Peters has been aggressive in the trade market this offseason, seizing an unexpected opportunity for another major acquisition at a key position.
The Commanders are exploring every avenue to improve, recognizing that their Super Bowl window has arrived sooner than anticipated. Peters’ primary focus is maximizing Jayden Daniels’ rookie contract, and he’s acting decisively in response to the fast-moving landscape.
He first turned to his former team, securing wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the 49ers for just a fifth-round pick—a low-risk move with significant upside if Samuel thrives in a new environment.
But Washington wasn’t done. The team invested heavily in acquiring star left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Texans, ensuring Daniels has a top-tier blindside protector.
These moves have depleted Washington’s draft capital and added substantial costs to their 2025 salary cap, but Peters remains unafraid to make further moves if they can push the Commanders to the next level.
Commanders would benefit greatly from Trey Hendrickson’s presence on the edge
Speculation continues to swirl about the Commanders potentially pursuing a trade for Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals granted the defensive end’s trade request as they shift their financial focus toward the offensive side of the ball. A major development involving Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase further increases the likelihood of Hendrickson’s departure.
Higgins secured the long-term extension he sought after being franchise-tagged again this offseason, while Chase signed a historic deal, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. This outcome pleased Joe Burrow, who had publicly urged the team to prioritize his top targets. However, keeping Hendrickson under contract now seems more challenging.
Cincinnati isn’t eager to part ways with its star pass-rusher, especially after freeing up short-term cap space. The Bengals reportedly want a first-round pick in return, a price few teams are likely to meet despite Hendrickson’s elite production. If they lower their asking price, Peters may consider making a move.
With only five draft picks in 2025 following the acquisitions of Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, Washington likely won’t find a better player than Hendrickson in the second round. However, his contract demands add another layer to the decision.
Hendrickson, a former third-round pick, is entering the final year of his deal and is seeking what could be his last major payday. Coming off a dominant 17.5-sack season, he would significantly bolster Washington’s pass rush. Any acquiring team would likely need to extend him immediately, and while the Commanders have $105.5 million in projected cap space for 2026, balancing future contracts would be a challenge.
Landing Hendrickson would be a surprise, but Cincinnati’s massive investments in Higgins and Chase certainly make the situation one to watch.