Commanders named top fit for big-name free agent who will be headlining offseason once again
The Commanders will once again be linked to the top EDGE rusher this offseason, but this time they won’t have to trade for him.
The Washington Commanders are headed into their biggest free agency period yet, and many around the league expect fireworks.
The Commanders will have a top-5 salary cap space this offseason, and they may move up a couple of spots after some notable moves to create more. They have plenty of needs on the roster, but none bigger than the EDGE position.
General manager Adam Peters can find an underrated gem in free agency, or he can take a big swing on one big name that they’ve been linked to before.
The Commanders are named a top fit for EDGE Trey Hendrickson
The EDGE free agency group is top-heavy this offseason, but it does have some solid depth players with it. None are of the caliber of Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, though. The Commanders reportedly looked into a trade request for Hendrickson last offseason after he sought a new contract, but he stayed in Cincinnati on a one-year deal.
This offseason, the Commanders could pursue Hendrickson, and it wouldn’t require a trade if the Bengals decide against franchise-tagging him and let him hit the market. The Commanders were named a top fit for Hendrickson in A to Z Sports’ EDGE free agency preview, and he’s the No. 1 free agent this offseason.
The Bengals could apply the franchise tag on Hendrickson, worth almost $27 million, and play the short game with him once again, or they can let him walk. Hendrickson is projected to make between $26-$30 million per year this offseason, and he’ll go to the highest bidder and best situation. Should the Commanders be in that group to pursue Hendrickson?
Should the Commanders sign Trey Hendrickson in free agency?
The Commanders have a need at EDGE, and Hendrickson would fill that void seamlessly. Hendrickson would put a dent in the team’s salary cap, but it’s still a move worth considering with his production on the field. He’s been one of the most productive pass rushers over the last few seasons, and the top free agent on the market for a reason.
On the downside, Hendrickson is 31 years old and only played in seven games this past season due to injuries. He finished with just four sacks after having 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons, so you know he will produce again. Hendrickson underwent surgery for his core muscle injury back in December, so he should be all clear to play at the start of the season for whoever he signs with.
You don’t always get the chance to sign an All-Pro player in free agency, so the Commanders need to do their due diligence on Hendrickson and strongly consider signing him, which would leave their options wide open at the No. 7 overall pick.
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