ESPN writer proposes tempting Trey Hendrickson trade offer which would give Bengals someone they eyed in last year's NFL Draft

There was a time when the Cincinnati Bengals seriously entertained trading Trey Hendrickson away. Hendrickson's request to gauge his market was granted days before free agency began in March, but a deal never reached any meaningful stage and the contract stalemate between him and the Bengals continued to where it is now. 

Hendrickson's chances of being traded now, weeks after the 2025 NFL Draft, are extremely slim. Most teams are moving forward with the rosters they've built throughout the active parts of the offseason. Compensation for sending off an All-Pro defensive end isn't likely to be what Cincinnati has in mind.

At the very least, the Bengals would like a player in return for trading away Hendrickson. This is why ESPN sports analytics writer Seth Walder's proposal is eye-catching.

Walder put together a trade proposal for the Washington Commanders to land Hendrickson from Cincinnati, and his offer was the only one of four to include a player: Defensive tackle Jer'Zahn Newton.

Bengals get: DT Jer'Zhan Newton, 2026 third-round pick, 2027 seventh-round pick
Commanders get: Trey Hendrickson

Newton was the Commanders' second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He posted 19 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, and two sacks in 16 games played as a rookie. He was projected to be picked late in the first round, but a foot injury from college helped drop him into the second round.

Newton was selected 13 picks prior to Cincinnati drafting DT Kris Jenkins Jr. The Bengals were heavily interested in the interior defensive line class that year, and Newton was included in their interest as they met with him multiple times throughout the pre-draft process, including a late top-30 visit.

Hendrickson obviously clears Newton as a player right now, but the Bengals had their eyes on Newton and may've drafted him if he were still available to them in the second round.

This is the kind of offer that could garner Cincinnati's attention. The extra draft capital of a 2026 third-round pick and a future seventh-rounder isn't much, but Newton is just 22 years old and has three years remaining on his rookie contract. He's got the upside to be a worthwhile piece for the Bengals' defensive line for years down the road.