Would you pull the trigger on a Trey Hendrickson trade to strengthen Detroit’s pass rush and Super Bowl hopes, or does ESPN’s proposed deal ask for too much?

Reset the clock—once again, a national NFL writer has suggested the Detroit Lions swing a deal for a top-tier edge rusher.

In a recent piece for ESPN, NFL analyst Ben Solak pitched the idea of the Lions acquiring Pro Bowl pass rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals to finally solidify their defensive front and take advantage of their current championship window.

Trade Proposal: Bengals receive a 2026 second-round pick and a conditional 2027 fourth-round pick that could escalate to a third-rounder.

Solak pointed out that although Lions GM Brad Holmes “has admitted fans are more eager than he is to land a secondary pass rusher,” the opportunity to line up Hendrickson beside Aidan Hutchinson could change Holmes’ stance.

“Hendrickson may not be the kind of run defender Detroit tends to prioritize,” Solak added, “but pairing him with Hutchinson could create the league’s most dangerous edge tandem.”

Hendrickson’s production—43.0 sacks in the last three seasons—makes it easy to see how he’d instantly upgrade Detroit’s pressure package. Solak also highlighted Detroit’s ample cap room, which could support a Hendrickson extension—something the veteran has been pushing for. Bengals insider Ben Baby suggested a three-year, $90 million deal might be enough.

From Cincinnati’s angle, the draft compensation adds future value. Baby applauded the trade scenario, calling it a “strong return” for the Bengals.

“If the Lions hand Hendrickson a three-year, $90 million extension, that’s less than what Houston gave Danielle Hunter… and would be a bargain for Detroit if Hendrickson maintains his All-Pro level,” Baby said of the contract outlook.

One upside for the Bengals in sending Hendrickson to an NFC team like Detroit is that it keeps him away from AFC rivals. The extra picks also give them flexibility while building around Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins—each locked in through 2028.

While rumors of elite edge partners for Hutchinson aren’t new, Hendrickson’s age and well-documented contract tension give this particular rumor more traction than past ones involving Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby. Still, Detroit must weigh that against re-signing its own stars, making this a high-cost proposition.

Al Karsten of Pride of Detroit analyzed the ripple effects a trade like this would cause and explained why he believes the Lions wouldn’t be eager to part with that much draft capital for Hendrickson.