It’s time for a premium defensive player to arrive at the Commanders. Their offense was great, with Jayden Daniels in the central position. TEs Zach Ertz and John Bates held the offense together. But they did suffer lapses in defense. In the NFC Championship game against the Eagles, they lost by 23-55, a record loss. So, HC Dan Quinn had a clear thought in mind. He set out in search of a defensive stalwart.

Going by the trends before the free agency on Monday, March 10, Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson is on the free market. 2025 is the last year of his contract, which is worth $16 million. Joe Burrow’s teammate started all 17 games for the Bengals in 2024 and recorded 2 fumbles, 5 defended passes, 17.5 sacks, and 46 tackles (33 solo). It was a great show.

However, the Bengals are struggling with cap space. Moreover, the DE ceiling in the league has been pushed a notch higher. The Browns signed their DE Myles Garrett to a record-setting 4-year $160 million deal ($40 million APY) with $123.5 million guaranteed. He became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

The real question is, will Dan Quinn get him to sign a deal? On Sunday, March 9, he said, “I’m just tremendously blessed, the relationships I’ve made. However it shakes out, there’s nowhere I’d rather be.” He also showered praises on his teammates, Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Sam Hubbard, and others.

According to Over the Cap, the franchise has a $73 million cap space. But signing Trey Hendrickson will acquire their 50% space. Isn’t that a deal with too much investment? But the pressing issue for them is a defensive stalwart who can help them achieve the missing trophy for 33 years.

They have already made some massive re-signings in the offensive line. This has helped them reinforce confidence for the coming season.

Dan Quinn signs 2 key players for 2025

On Sunday, fans woke up to see a Jayden Daniels‘ Instagram story with 6 exclamation marks, “!!!!!!” The young player was welcoming his veteran TE Zach Ertz back to the franchise. They signed a 1-year $6.5 million with the Commanders, up to $9 million with incentives.

QB’s reaction wasn’t out of the blue. Ertz and he have teamed up many times in the red zone. But the TE has been impressed with the rookie since last year. He compared him to the NFL legend Andrew Luck, a 4-time Pro Bowler. Ertz even wished to turn 10 years younger into a 22-year-old so that he could play his entire career with Daniels. But Dan Quinn didn’t stop there.

He also signed another key weapon, TE John Bates, to a 2-year deal. The player’s size impressed the head coach—a 6’6″, 259-pound monster who has been a true team player. In early February, after they were out of the season, he even shared a carousel of photos on IG, showing the deep bond between the players.

With all the important players back in the offense, they have made many right moves. Can they get some more signings, which will give them the ultimate push for the Super Bowl? The next 3 days are very important. Watch out! Stay connected, as we will keep bringing such updates from your favorite NFL players.