The Washington Commanders find themselves in a familiar situation this offseason, with the spotlight once again on pass rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals. Last year, the buzz was all about Hendrickson potentially joining the Commanders, as he sought a trade from the Bengals. The chatter was fueled by the belief that the Commanders were just a pass rusher away from making a serious run in the NFC.
Fast forward to now, and Hendrickson is free to explore new opportunities, having completed his stint with the Bengals. However, at 31, and turning 32 in December, the dynamics have shifted. The Commanders' needs have evolved beyond just a single pass rusher, making a splashy signing like Hendrickson less likely.
Given Hendrickson's age and expected market value, the Commanders are more likely to focus on a comprehensive rebuild of their defense. This means targeting multiple players across all three levels of the defense, rather than investing heavily in one high-profile player.
Expect the Commanders to pursue a strategy of signing younger defensive talents, aged between 25-27, who are entering their second NFL contracts. This approach aims to build a more balanced and sustainable defensive unit, rather than relying on a single veteran presence.
While Hendrickson's prowess is undeniable, the Commanders are looking to address broader defensive needs, setting the stage for a more robust and versatile lineup in the seasons to come.