The 2025 Free Agency Thread

[Darrell Green Fan]

Keim's new podcast.

A. Definitely interested in Hendrickson. He's heard all sorts of things about trade compensation, seemed to suggest a 2nd or 3rd and change but was guessing.

B. He had a Cincy beat guy on the show. Said Hendrickson is a workaholic on steroids. Great example for the locker room and the younger players. Good dude but big time trash talker on the field. On an aside was listening to Craig Hoffman talk about Hendrickson. I generally like and agree with Hoffman but IMO wow is he off on Hendrickson, talking about he'd do it if its for a 2026 4th round pick and that he's just slightly better than the FA DEs, and should command low 20s -- and he's out if its the high 20s. Well, Craig if that's the bar, and they make this deal, he's going to hate it. it's going to cost more than a 2026 4th and for sure he should get in the high 20s at least.

C. Keim said whomever he talked to with the team called Hendrickson a perfect fit.

D. Keim talked about them adding O line, CB, younger WR, run stuffing DT. No names mentioned aside from Slayton.

I watched a highlight video of Hendrickson. Forgot that he beat Lucas and Allegretti on a double team for a sack against us. Stylstically he reminds me some of Crosby.

These are my thoughts as well. This team definitetly needs more impact players. But giving a 2nd or whatever and paying a 31 year old $30 million a year is concerning. As you mentioned the bigger issue with htis defense was stopping the run, Fowler did have double digit sacks. It seems offenses did most of their damange to the right side of the Washington defense. Hendrickson won't help that at all.

 

[bowhunter]

Also, from a resource scarcity standpoint, I agree that we should sign Stanley. And I don’t think that should dissuade us from drafting a tackle high.

Agreed. Give me an offseason of adding:
OL Stanley
DB Ward
DE Hendrickson ...
and I think we'd be ready to roll into the draft capable of taking a weighted BPA approach with some light spackling during FA wave II.

 

[Hail Raiser]

I don't want to keep dogging Jon Allen. He has been a good guy and at times a productive player. But I just push back at all of his defenders who tend to keep having to give reasons (excuses?) for his poor play. 2 years ago it was apparently the coaches. What about last year? He came into the season fully healthy yet remained ineffective. I just see this move as a no-brainer decision.

Everyone is ready to move on from him. Some are happy, some bummed to see it happen. He had Planters for a while and a shoulder injury. He's had negging injuries the last few years and before that played for some god awful coaches on very bad teams.

He was having a decent year this year, before getting injured though. He's not a tier 1 all pro player and never has been.

You do realize that people giving reasons that his play slumped is not an excuse for anything. Dudes been a rainbow on a very clouded day for this franchise.

 

[clskinsfan]

How do you feel about Hendrickson’s age? I’m not as worried about this year, but assuming what may effectively be a contract we can get out of after 3 years, I’m a little worried about giving up a 2nd and 33 million dollars for a guy that will be turning 33 during that last season.

I know Garrett likely isn’t available right now, but I’m also curious how everyone perceives the value of Garrett for two 1sts and a 3rd vs Hendrickson for a 2nd and change. I just find that interesting from a team building standpoint.

Also, from a resource scarcity standpoint, I agree that we should sign Stanley. And I don’t think that should dissuade us from drafting a tackle high.

Hendrickson is more of a situational player than Garrett. He will get spelled on 1st down a ton imo. Having said that I would prefer to keep our draft capital and get Hendrickson. Or even better take a flyer on Landry who will cost you no draft capital at all. Money is not an issue for this team for the next 5 seasons. Having a star QB on a rookie deal is so empowering to a front office. Now 5 years from now, when JD is making 80 mill per year, yeah gonna be an issue.

 

[burgold]

I don't want to keep dogging Jon Allen. He has been a good guy and at times a productive player. But I just push back at all of his defenders who tend to keep having to give reasons (excuses?) for his poor play. 2 years ago it was apparently the coaches. What about last year? He came into the season fully healthy yet remained ineffective. I just see this move as a no-brainer decision.

I dunno. I figure the guy deserves at least one day of eulogies, excuse making, and well wishes.

I don't think many of us are faulting the front office, we're just bidding him ado fondly and making excuses so that remember him as a solid 'skin and not a tarnished and ineffective player.

 

[Hail Raiser]

Ward would be great. Slay, too. I think Kendall Fuller is about to be a FA. As CB2 at 8per I'd be happy about it.

 

[Darrell Green Fan]

Everyone is ready to move on from him. Some are happy, some bummed to see it happen. He had Planters for a while and a shoulder injury. He's had negging injuries the last few years and before that played for some god awful coaches on very bad teams.

He was having a decent year this year, before getting injured though. He's not a tier 1 all pro player and never has been.

You do realize that people giving reasons that his play slumped is not an excuse for anything. Dudes been a rainbow on a very clouded day for this franchise.

I'll close by saying you and I have a diffent definition of "decent". I don't see any metrix that shows that Jon Allen was decent last year, for what it's worth his PFF was 119th out of 219 DTs. And every player deals with injuries and again he started the season completely healthy with better coaches and was still unproductive.

 

[Primus Porcus]

I'm not as confident that we bring Ertz back as I was a couple weeks ago, but I don't think the door is closed yet.

Matthew Berry from NBC Sports pretty much calls his shot from the conversations he had at the Combine that Ertz will return. He also said what he was hearing was that Stafford wouldn't leave LA, and that we would be the top contender for Deebo, and those both came true.

Matthew Berry’s 25 Most Interesting Things He Heard At 2025 NFL Combine

Matthew Berry reveals the 25 most interesting things he heard at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, and tells a story about the time he got a ride back to his hotel on Jerry Jones' bus.

www.nbcsports.com

15. Speaking of Dyami Brown, expect Washington to bring back Zach Ertz but likely let Dyami Brown walk if the price gets too high, which it likely will be.

Ultimately i think cost is the final determining factor, and we already came in UNDER what i thought Bobby Wagner was going to get (I had 1 yr / $10M in my head) so i don't think anything is over yet.

 

[Darrell Green Fan]

Ward would be great. Slay, too. I think Kendall Fuller is about to be a FA. As CB2 at 8per I'd be happy about it.

Ward has been at the top of my list all offseason. He would be the perfect corner opposite Lattimore. They simply have to get a solid CB2.

 

[clskinsfan]

Ultimately i think cost is the final determining factor

Agree. And I hope they dont break the bank for Ertz. Something around 6-7 million seems fair for both parties. Anything more than that and kick the tires on someone else. Also wondering where Sinnott factors into all of this. He has to see the field at some point. We have to see what we have there in him. I was extremely high on him coming out fwiw.

 

[Hail Raiser]

Ward has been at the top of my list all offseason. He would be the perfect corner opposite Lattimore. They simply have to get a solid CB2.

Not that we're short on money, but Wards been atop my list too.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I think the NFL has undervalued the Deebo Samuel trade.

While praised for getting a value acquisition (#5 pick in return), most NFL reporters and commentators seem to give Christian Kirk and the possible landing spot for Taylor Lockette as much ink.

I think that will end up being a mistake. If healthy Samuel is worth a lot more to Daniels and to the Commanders than any of these other players that have been in the news on that side of the ball catching passes.

Hendrickson to me has two strikes against him. One he is 31 years old. I would like us to spend high picks and mega dollars on a younger player to become part of the core here with Daniels over the next 4-5 years. By that time, Hendrickson will be in a wheelchair watching NFL games at home.

Two, while a very productive pass rusher, the one knock on him is he is not rated highly as a two way player against the run.

And the most glaring deficiency on defense last year when all is said and done was the ability to get running backs and scrambling passers on the ground. It was embarrassing to watch runners truck this team last year.

At 269 Hendrickson is another guy like Armstrong and Fowler who has 'specialist' skills.

I want a guy at DE that does everything well if we are going to play him $30M.

Cincinnati's defense was the main reason the club didn't make the playoffs. They had a lot of the same issues Washington's defense did vs. the run and early in the season outside vs. the pass.

Agree, Deebo deal is underrated by some.

As for Hendrickson, if this team is all on him, I'll ride with it.

He's 30 now but will be 31 towards the end of next season.

Agree, his reputation is he's not a hot run stuffer but judging by PFF scores at least (65.9) this past season he's OK against the run. And has good size to stop the run. Fowler and Armstrong with bad PFF scores versus the run. Not that PFF is the be all and end all. But read an article that suggested he's improved against the run.

As to what's the point as to Hendrickson, I gather its they want a player who puts fear in the opponent. We got no players teams have to game plan for. Dudes like Jalen Carter don't major in stopping the run (he has worse PFF run scores than Hendrickson) but they can harrass the QB to no end. Also, reading about him he comes off like a tone setter.

Agree that stopping the run is important. Usually the more run stopping edge is on the left side (strong side) so I gather they'd add a run stuffer type there and up the middle. At a minimum profile wise he doesn't come off the same level liability against the run that Armstrong-Fowler were.

RUN DEFENSE GRADE
65.9


AVG
67th/211 EDs

Trey Hendrickson still among the best at what he does

The Bengals defensive end is known for his intensity on the field

www.cincyjungle.com

"Hendrickson’s intensity on the field is contagious.

“It’s not all about what Trey (himself) has done for us,” Cincinnati safety Jessie Bates III said. “He helps out other guys around the defense.”

‘Who is this animal?’ When Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson flips the switch, he’s a menace to opposing QBs

Hendrickson has 12 1/2 sacks and has had one in nine straight games, a Bengals record and the longest current streak in the league.

www.nytimes.com

It is the night before a game, and everyone knows to leave Trey Hendrickson alone.

Hendrickson goes through his game plan in his head, reviews how he will attack his opponent, and envisions sacks.

...Then on game day, Hendrickson brings the energy of a supernova. He strikes with violence as if using a Bo Staff. He sacrifices his body as if he were a crash test dummy. He berates an opponent with uncivil words.

And then, an apology. “Hey, look, I’m sorry. Things got a little too heated out there.”

Finally, in the boys-will-be-boys locker room, there is teasing. “Hey, Blackout Trey, you remember what you did out there?” one says.

The question raises another question: Is Hendrickson too intense?

“Oh, you don’t want to talk to him then,” his agent Harold Lewis says. “He’s normally a really big-hearted guy, but that’s danger, danger.”

Trey Hendrickson Brings His Motor Into Rivalry That Never Stops Against T.J. Watt's Steelers | GAME WITHIN THE GAME

One of the league’s great sack summits is on display Sunday (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Local 12) at Paycor Stadium when current NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals lines up against the Steelers of Trent Jordan Watt and his 104 career sacks heading i

www.bengals.com

"Relentless effort and desire. He's relentless. Goes harder than everybody else. He cares deeply. That's what makes him a special player.

"His motor is unlike most. You notice he starts to wear a guy down in the fourth quarter. A lot of rushers these days in the NFL don't necessarily do that. He'll get the sacks on you early and late in a game."

 

[Primus Porcus]

Agree. And I hope they dont break the bank for Ertz. Something around 6-7 million seems fair for both parties. Anything more than that and kick the tires on someone else. Also wondering where Sinnott factors into all of this. He has to see the field at some point. We have to see what we have there in him. I was extremely high on him coming out fwiw.

It's so hard to get a grasp of Sinnott and McCaffrey because the track record of this front office / coaching staff is, imho, undetermined. It may take 2 or 3 years before we can look at how they handle players and come to any conclusions.

For all we know, their overall interest is to not depend on rookies and basically make them 'red shirt' guys. That being said, there were some SERIOUS contributions by rookies this past season, so does that mean they were good enough to supplant what was ahead of them, or they simply were forced to play because the cupboard was that empty? Not even mentioning Daniels, because that's just different, but Coleman and Sainristil had MASSIVE contributions regarding playing time, but they also had almost NOBODY in front of them competing for playing time. Jordan Magee came back (and we heard absolutely glowing things in Training Camp) but he wasn't able to get on the field. Was that because he Bobby Wagner was in front of him?

Was Sinnott 'sat' on this past season because he wasn't good enough? Or was it that the bigger part of the plan is to get him 'trained' up on the blocking role because they knew they were going to be letting Bates walk this offseason, but bring back Ertz? Was Luke not used because they want him to focus on a specific WR position, and didn't want to throw him out there into a different role stunting his development?

You could argue if that was the thought process, then Sainrstil maybe wouldn't have played, but he likely was just so good they couldn't afford to keep him off the field.

 

[skinsinparadise]

These are my thoughts as well. This team definitetly needs more impact players. But giving a 2nd or whatever and paying a 31 year old $30 million a year is concerning. As you mentioned the bigger issue with htis defense was stopping the run, Fowler did have double digit sacks. It seems offenses did most of their damange to the right side of the Washington defense. Hendrickson won't help that at all.

I think the 31 year old stuff. I blame myself for it because days back when I explained my take why it wouldn't take a first rounder, I mentioned he'd be 31 by the end of the season. But the dude is 30 years old and three months old.

As much as I want to stop the run, I get the vibe that the dude later in his career is just so so against the run. He definitely isn't under sized on that front so I gather he has some potential to get better and he claims he's constantly working on upgrading his game. He did improve as a run stopper from the previous season.

He's a monster sack artist. He's in the same conversation as Garrett and Parsons. Parson isn't some monster against the run. It's not like this team is great at creating pressure but if only we can just stop the run. They are just OK at creating pressure and as Logan Paulsen among others point out, improving pressure will help the secondary which struggled.

If they are as interested as it sounds in Hendrickson, I'll ride with the idea that Quinn and Peters get what this team needs. I haven't reached the point where I am questioning their takes about the team like I did for Bruce and Vinny, etc. So for I'll ride with whatever they decide to do.

For me personally, I'd get it. Part of it is his age and being a little more flawed than Garrett is what makes the price more reasonable. Would I rather have Garrett at two first rounders and change or Hendrickson for a late 2nd?

 

[Chris]

My concern with Sinnott is that he got a ‘fair’ amount of run during the majority of the season and then less and less as the calendar moved into December. For me that is the opposite of what I would expect from a rookie.

 

[Chris 44]

Agree, Deebo deal is underrated by some.

As for Hendrickson, if this team is all on him, I'll ride with it.

He's 30 now but will be 31 towards the end of next season.

Agree, his reputation is he's not a hot run stuffer but judging by PFF scores at least (65.9) this past season he's OK against the run. And has good size to stop the run. Fowler and Armstrong with bad PFF scores versus the run. Not that PFF is the be all and end all. But read an article that suggested he's improved against the run.

As to what's the point as to Hendrickson, I gather its they want a player who puts fear in the opponent. We got no players teams have to game plan for. Dudes like Jalen Carter don't major in stopping the run (he has worse PFF run scores than Hendrickson) but they can harrass the QB to no end. Also, reading about him he comes off like a tone setter.

Agree that stopping the run is important. Usually the more run stopping edge is on the left side (strong side) so I gather they'd add a run stuffer type there and up the middle. At a minimum profile wise he doesn't come off the same level liability against the run that Armstrong-Fowler were.

RUN DEFENSE GRADE
65.9


AVG
67th/211 EDs

Trey Hendrickson still among the best at what he does

The Bengals defensive end is known for his intensity on the field

www.cincyjungle.com

"Hendrickson’s intensity on the field is contagious.

“It’s not all about what Trey (himself) has done for us,” Cincinnati safety Jessie Bates III said. “He helps out other guys around the defense.”

‘Who is this animal?’ When Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson flips the switch, he’s a menace to opposing QBs

Hendrickson has 12 1/2 sacks and has had one in nine straight games, a Bengals record and the longest current streak in the league.

www.nytimes.com

It is the night before a game, and everyone knows to leave Trey Hendrickson alone.

Hendrickson goes through his game plan in his head, reviews how he will attack his opponent, and envisions sacks.

...Then on game day, Hendrickson brings the energy of a supernova. He strikes with violence as if using a Bo Staff. He sacrifices his body as if he were a crash test dummy. He berates an opponent with uncivil words.

And then, an apology. “Hey, look, I’m sorry. Things got a little too heated out there.”

Finally, in the boys-will-be-boys locker room, there is teasing. “Hey, Blackout Trey, you remember what you did out there?” one says.

The question raises another question: Is Hendrickson too intense?

“Oh, you don’t want to talk to him then,” his agent Harold Lewis says. “He’s normally a really big-hearted guy, but that’s danger, danger.”

Trey Hendrickson Brings His Motor Into Rivalry That Never Stops Against T.J. Watt's Steelers | GAME WITHIN THE GAME

One of the league’s great sack summits is on display Sunday (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Local 12) at Paycor Stadium when current NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals lines up against the Steelers of Trent Jordan Watt and his 104 career sacks heading i

www.bengals.com

"Relentless effort and desire. He's relentless. Goes harder than everybody else. He cares deeply. That's what makes him a special player.

"His motor is unlike most. You notice he starts to wear a guy down in the fourth quarter. A lot of rushers these days in the NFL don't necessarily do that. He'll get the sacks on you early and late in a game."

Imagine him "focusing" on Dallas or Philly from here on out. That brings a smile to my face!

 

[skinsinparadise]

Imagine him "focusing" on Dallas or Philly from here on out. That brings a smile to my face!

Agree. Look I get the thought that we'd love a complete edge. I do, too.

But from what I digested its not as if Hendrickson is awful against the run. Pass rush is still king. Fowler and Armstrong aren't in the same conversation as Hendrickson. This dude is a top 5 pass rusher. If he's who he has been in the last two years, he'd be the best pass rusher we've had since Dexter.

I think price is a key thing. If they can get him without giving crazy draft capital, its intriguing to me.

Quinn and Peters are far from perfect. But Quinn in particular I gather knows what's missing with this defense to take a step up. If Hendrickson is in that equation, it doesn't feel wild to me.

Look i love Luvu. But he's not a dude you game plan for. A dude that can wreck a game makes everyone better.

 

[skinsinparadise]

forgot the other name Keim threw out there is Hargrave at DT mentioning ties to SF. He was vague on it but usually he doesn't throw out names for no reason.

Hargrave is a 3 technique type, got after the passer type. He also mentioned a run stuffing DT. So if there is some teeth to what he is saying. I gather the idea is to build a D line that both improves as to rushing the passer and stopping the run.

 

[RWJ]

I think the 31 year old stuff. I blame myself for it because days back when I explained my take why it wouldn't take a first rounder, I mentioned he'd be 31 by the end of the season. But the dude is 30 years old and three months old.

As much as I want to stop the run, I get the vibe that the dude later in his career is just so so against the run. He definitely isn't under sized on that front so I gather he has some potential to get better and he claims he's constantly working on upgrading his game. He did improve as a run stopper from the previous season.

He's a monster sack artist. He's in the same conversation as Garrett and Parsons. Parson isn't some monster against the run. It's not like this team is great at creating pressure but if only we can just stop the run. They are just OK at creating pressure and as Logan Paulsen among others point out, improving pressure will help the secondary which struggled.

If they are as interested as it sounds in Hendrickson, I'll ride with the idea that Quinn and Peters get what this team needs. I haven't reached the point where I am questioning their takes about the team like I did for Bruce and Vinny, etc. So for I'll ride with whatever they decide to do.

For me personally, I'd get it. Part of it is his age and being a little more flawed than Garrett is what makes the price more reasonable. Would I rather have Garrett at two first rounders and change or Hendrickson for a late 2nd?

Hendrickson reminds me of Jared Allen when I think about a comparison. I'd take that all day long.

 

[RWJ]

My concern with Sinnott is that he got a ‘fair’ amount of run during the majority of the season and then less and less as the calendar moved into December. For me that is the opposite of what I would expect from a rookie.

Yes, seemed like we heard his name often early and a pretty big subsidence as the season went on. Hopefully they address the TE position with a true pass catching TE. Maybe the lightbulb didn't go off with Sinnott this past year.