Cincinnati Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, widely regarded as one of the best in the NFL, has reportedly requested a trade, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The three-time Pro Bowler is set to earn $15 million this season but is seeking a long-term contract that the Bengals have been unwilling to provide.

Cory Woodroof of USA Today identified five potential landing spots for Hendrickson, with the Washington Commanders emerging as a strong contender. The Commanders are set to draft a franchise quarterback in the first round, but they also have a pressing need on the defensive line. After trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young last season, Washington’s defense struggled mightily, allowing the most points per game (over 30), the most passing yards per game (262.2), and the sixth-most rushing yards per game (126.8).

Hendrickson would provide an immediate upgrade, as he proved once again in 2023 that he is an elite pass rusher, racking up 17.5 sacks—the second-most in the league. Since 2020, he has totaled an impressive 53 sacks, making him one of the most productive edge rushers in the game.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574092176080

Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine previously identified Washington’s edge rush position as an area in need of improvement. The team once envisioned a dominant defensive line built around Young, Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Daron Payne, but with Young and Sweat gone, they now have a significant gap to fill.

Financially, the Commanders are well-positioned to make a move. They currently have $43.4 million in cap space, per Over the Cap, more than enough to absorb Hendrickson’s $15 million salary. Washington has already bolstered its defense this offseason by signing Bobby Wagner, Dante Fowler Jr., and Frankie Luvu. Adding Hendrickson would further solidify their defensive front and cap off an already impressive offseason.

With the draft looming and Hendrickson available, the Commanders have the resources to make a major defensive upgrade. Whether they pull the trigger on a trade remains to be seen, but Hendrickson would be an ideal addition to help reshape Washington’s defense.