Trey Hendrickson
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The Washington Commanders were rejected by an All-Pro. despite making a "very aggressive" pursuit in free agency.
The Washington Commanders continued retooling their edge-rusher rotation by agreeing a cheap deal with K’Lavon Chaisson, but things might’ve been different if an All-Pro hadn’t rejected the team, despite the Commanders making a “very aggressive” push in 2026 NFL free agency.
Four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson chose the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday, March 11, but there was a queue of other suitors. The group included “The Colts, Bills, Bucs, Commanders and Eagles,” according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. He also reported “Hendrickson wanted a long-term deal with a contender. Buffalo fit that mold. But Baltimore put it over the top Tuesday night.”
Fowler’s colleague John Keim confirmed the Commanders were keen on former Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher Hendrickson. So much so, Keim revealed “the Commanders were ‘very aggressive.’ In it until the end.”
These reports make it look as though the one-year deal for ex-New England Patriots edge Chaisson was the Commanders settling. Especially when Chaisson represents a more cost-effective alternative, on a one-year deal worth $12 million, compared with the $112 million over four years Hendrickson received from the Ravens.
Chaisson has decent pedigree as a breakout pass-rusher during the Pats’ Super Bowl run last season. Making a blockbuster move for Hendrickson, to follow the $100 million handed to outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, would have made a bolder statement about general manager Adam Peters’ intent in this veteran market.
Trey Hendrickson Signing Would’ve Made a Statement
Welcoming Hendrickson to Washington would have restored faith in Peters’ ability to build a winner. Confidence in the GM was shook by his failure to acquire a premium edge-rusher last offseason.
Hendrickson was a target, but the Commanders instead opted to give ageing Von Miller a short-term contract and trust journeymen like Jacob Martin. Landing Hendrickson this year would have sent a clear message the Commanders are no longer cutting costs to fix their biggest flaws.
Problems rushing the passer would’ve been solved by Hendrickson, thanks to his “92.4 pass rushing grade since 2021 (5th among edge defenders)” and “61 sacks since 2021 (3rd in the NFL),” per Pro Football Focus.
Hendrickson is a prolific disruptor teams fear and make special plans to stop. He’s the kind of game-wrecking force who makes everybody along the front seven more productive, but Chaisson may be the opposite.
K’Lavon Chaisson a Risk to Fix Commanders’ Biggest Weakness
Chaisson posted his finest statistical season playing on a loaded defensive line in New England. The Patriots boasted a formidable defensive tackle tandem, Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, who made things easier for Chaisson and fellow edge, capable veteran Harold Landry III.
Washington’s defensive front lacks the same level of talent. It’s unlikely Commanders D-tackles Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne will attract as many double teams as Barmore and Williams.
Chaisson and Oweh might form a useful pair of bookends. Especially if Owen lives up to the endorsement from an All-Pro rival, but a Hendrickson-led partnership has more credibility.
Not getting his marquee target is a disappointment, but Peters at least reacted quickly to still procure an established complement for Oweh. The Commanders will now hope Chaisson’s 7.5-sack breakout last season wasn’t the anomaly in his career.
Peters needs Chaisson to instead be on enough of an upward surge to turn a weakness into a team strength.