The Detroit Lions are looking to make a leap in 2025. Though the Lions were the best regular-season team in the NFC last year, posting a 15-2 record and obtaining the No.1 seed, they were upset in the divisional round of the playoffs by the Washington Commanders.
Detroit will return one of the most talented rosters in football this season, but one position that general manager Brad Holmes could look to bolster is edge rusher. Outside of Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions don’t have a starting-caliber player in the position group.
Though the free agency market still has some capable players, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes Detroit should make an all-in move and trade for Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
“Hendrickson should shoot toward the top of most teams’ trade boards. Teams that should already be interested in adding him include the Detroit Lions, who still need a No. 2 pass-rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson,” Knox wrote.
Hendrickson has been in trade rumors all offseason, as the Bengals gave him permission to seek a trade after both sides couldn’t get an extension done. The All-Pro defender has been critical of Cincinnati’s communication throughout the contract process, and it doesn’t sound like he is willing to play for the team on his current deal based on a recent report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
“There’s no update with defensive end Trey Hendrickson’s contract situation, which is at a stalemate. My read on the situation is that Hendrickson is convicted enough to stay away from the team, having no interest in playing on his scheduled $16 million salary in 2025. Right now this is a waiting game,” Fowler wrote.
If the Bengals decide to move Hendrickson instead of giving him a new contract, the Lions should aggressively pursue the veteran. The 30-year-old would form the most dominant pass rushing duo in football with Hutchinson and immediately elevate Detroit into the top contender in the NFC.
The Lions would have to give up premium draft capital for Hendrickson and sign him to a deal worth over $30 million annually. However, it would be well worth it, as Detroit is in their Super Bowl window and Hendrickson could be the missing piece that pushes them over the top.
Additionally, the four-time Pro Bowler is coming off two straight seasons with 17.5 sacks, so he’s been playing his best football lately.
