Speculation resurfaced around the Washington Commanders entering the Trey Hendrickson trade sweepstakes after the defensive end’s criticism of comments made by the Cincinnati Bengals. But for now, general manager Adam Peters had something else in mind.
The Commanders have already spent significant draft assets in the trade market this offseason. They’ve acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., which could be good value for a fifth-round pick if the versatile weapon bounces back from a down year with the San Francisco 49ers. Prolific left tackle Laremy Tunsil cost a lot more, but he’s an elite-level performer who’ll completely change the offensive line’s landscape next season.
Whether the Commanders could still inquire about Hendrickson’s availability remains to be seen. Peters is exploring all options in pursuit of bolstering the pass rush, including going against the grain with a notable curveball that took most by surprise.
Commanders add rugby player T.J. Maguranyanga to boost defensive line
The team confirmed the signing of T.J. Maguranyanga, who joins via the NFL’s international player program. The Zimbabwe rugby player won’t count against a roster spot and was reportedly in talks with several teams before choosing the Commanders.
Maguranyanga has some intriguing athletic measurables and carved out a successful (albeit brief) rugby career for himself. The 22-year-old has his sights set on the bigger and more lucrative world of the NFL. But this isn’t going to move the needle all that much.
Dan Quinn revealed at the NFL annual league meetings that he’s spending more time thinking about finding ways to counteract the Philadelphia Eagles’ tush push than getting the play outlawed. Signing a rugby player probably has something to do with that.
One quick examination of the mauls, rucks, and scrums involved in rugby — something akin to the NFL play made famous by the Eagles — and you can see the similarities. Just how much Maguranyanga can help stop this is highly debatable, but it wouldn’t hurt to get some input from a player well-versed in short-area physicality.
It might come to nothing, but the Commanders want to find out for sure. Not many offensive players or defenders have come through the international pathway program to make successful careers for themselves, but Maguranyanga is young and impressionable enough to be coached up if nothing else.
Hendrickson is on the opposite end of the spectrum. He’s an elite difference-maker with All-Pro-caliber credentials. He’s also going to cost much more from a draft compensation and contract standpoint.
Leave a Reply