Commanders have one glaring need one week into free agency

The Commanders have some needs and one glaring need.

The Commanders lost DE Dante Fowler's 10.5 sacks when he departed and returned to Dallas last week. The Commanders did sign situational pass rusher Jacob Martin, but he has yet to demonstrate he is going to be someone they can depend upon for many snaps.

They did obtain some players who can help the defense against the run, yes. They signed DE Deatrich Wise, who is 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, which is much larger and harder to block in the run game than Fowler. The Commanders gave up 5.8 yards a carry on second down, and this was the absolute worst in the league for 2024. So, yes, the size they are bringing to the defensive line is clearly intentional.

The Bengals have permitted DE Trey Hendrickson to seek a trade. The Bengals are reportedly asking for a high draft pick(s). But it is early, and if someone is willing to pay that price, then the Bengals can reap the benefit in the draft. If the Bengals offer an extension, he may end up remaining with the Bengals (see Browns DE Myles Garrett). If the Bengals really want to make a trade involving Hendrickson, and it is draft night, perhaps then the Bengals would be willing to lower their asking price.

Fowler was a good pass rusher, but who are we kidding? Hendrickson is better. If the Bengals feel the need to trade him because of their salary cap, the Commanders will want to continue dialog with them throughout this off-season, leading up to the NFL draft in late April.

Wanting to win now, the Commanders would give a large contract to Hendrickson, giving up a high draft choice, leaving Adam Peters even fewer picks in this 2025 draft. Peters still has DE Dorrance Armstrong, and they did re-sign DE Clelin Ferrell as well. But Ferrell has really disappointed since being drafted in the first round (4th overall) in the 2019 draft.

Speaking of draft picks, early analysis says Dante Fowler's signing with Dallas may earn Washington a compensatory selection in the 2026 NFL draft, possibly a sixth-round pick.

Perhaps Peters will choose not to trade the No. 29 pick for Hendrickson. One option for Peters might be to trade down out of the first round into the early-mid second round and thus pick up an additional third-round pick as well. In this scenario, Peters could draft three players in the first three rounds instead of his current two choices.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders still have needs, but one stands out

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