Blockbuster Lions trade pitch lands All Pro edge rusher to bolster super Bowl chances i sporting News…
In a bold move to solidify their defense and enhance their Super Bowl prospects, the Detroit Lions are reportedly exploring a blockbuster trade to acquire All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals. This potential acquisition comes in the wake of significant changes to the Lions’ defensive lineup and aims to address the pressing need for a dominant pass rusher.
The Need for Reinforcement
The Lions’ urgency to strengthen their defensive front intensified after the release of veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith in March 2025. Smith, who was acquired from the Cleveland Browns in November 2024, contributed four sacks in eight games for Detroit. However, his release freed up $5.7 million in cap space, leaving a void in the pass-rushing department .
Compounding the situation is the season-ending injury to star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a severe leg injury in October 2024. Prior to his injury, Hutchinson was leading the league with 7.5 sacks in just five games . His absence has left the Lions’ defense in need of a formidable presence on the edge.
Trey Hendrickson has emerged as a prime target for the Lions. The 30-year-old edge rusher is coming off a career-best season in 2024, where he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks and recorded 83 quarterback pressures. His performance earned him a first-team All-Pro selection and solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier pass rushers .
Hendrickson’s current contract situation adds to the intrigue. With one year remaining on his deal and a desire for a new contract, the Bengals have reportedly given him permission to seek a trade. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that Cincinnati is seeking a first-round or high second-round pick in exchange for Hendrickson, who is also looking for an extension worth around $30 million annually .
Acquiring Hendrickson would not only fill the immediate gap left by Hutchinson’s injury but also provide the Lions with a potent pass-rushing duo once Hutchinson returns. The combination of Hendrickson and Hutchinson could form one of the most formidable edge-rushing tandems in the NFL, significantly boosting the Lions’ defensive capabilities.
NFL analyst Nick Shook emphasized the potential impact of such a pairing, stating that a Hutchinson-Hendrickson duo would be instrumental in elevating the Lions’ defense to championship-caliber levels .
While the trade would require the Lions to part with significant draft capital and commit to a substantial contract extension for Hendrickson, the team’s current salary cap situation provides the flexibility needed to make such a move. With the Lions firmly in their Super Bowl window, the investment in Hendrickson could be the catalyst that propels them to the next level.
Moreover, the long-term benefits of securing a player of Hendrickson’s caliber extend beyond the immediate season. His presence would not only address current defensive needs but also contribute to sustained success in the years to come.
As the Lions continue to position themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, the pursuit of Trey Hendrickson represents a strategic and ambitious effort to fortify their defense. By addressing the critical need for a dominant edge rusher, Detroit aims to capitalize on their current momentum and make a deep postseason run. The potential acquisition of Hendrickson could be the defining move that transforms the Lions into a powerhouse on both sides of the ball.