The Commander's massive contract has created a market for Trey Hendrickson.

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The Washington Commanders may have done more than strengthen their pass rush in free agency. By signing edge rusher Odafe Oweh, Washington may have helped establish the market value of Trey Hendrickson, one of the hottest pass rushers in the NFL. The Commanders have been focused on improving their defense, but the ramifications of the Oweh deal could have repercussions throughout the league, especially contract negotiations for elite edge rushers seeking new deals.

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Washington strengthens pass rush

January 11, 2026; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Owe (98) and Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Justin Eboibe (92) sack New England Patriots quarterback Drake May (10) in the first quarter of an AFC Wild Card round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Since entering the NFL, Oweh has developed into one of the most explosive young pass rushers in the league. Known for his speed on the edge and disruptive ability in the backfield, he gives Washington another defensive weapon that can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

This move is a sign that the Commanders are prioritizing improving their defense. Especially in a league where getting to the quarterback remains one of the most valuable defensive skills.

Why a trade matters to Trey Hendrickson

Whenever a prominent pass rusher signs a significant contract, it often becomes the benchmark for future negotiations. This is where Hendrickson comes into play. Hendrickson was one of the most productive pass rushers in football during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, consistently establishing himself as one of the league leaders in sacks and quarterback pressures.

Because of his production, Hendrickson is expected to land a large deal on the open market. Oweh’s contract can now serve as a benchmark for Hendrickson’s representatives to point to when negotiating his next deal.

Pass rushers continue to lead the market.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson celebrates the win against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Payco Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Image

In today’s NFL, elite pass rushers are among the most valuable players on defense. Teams are looking to invest heavily in players who can consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks. This demand continues to drive the prices of edge defenders higher each offseason.

Now that Oweh’s deal is done, expectations may be even higher for a top-tier pass rusher like Hendrickson.

Next-generation large-scale defense contracts

Hendrickson’s future contract situation remains unresolved, but deals like Oweh’s often set the tone for the rest of the market. Hendrickson and his camp will likely use a similar deal to argue for a significant salary. And thanks to the Commanders’ recent moves, the market for an elite pass rusher may have become even more expensive.