The Detroit Lions recently made headlines with speculation about a potential blockbuster trade for Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The Detroit Lions recently made headlines with speculation about a potential blockbuster trade for Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. However, this deal doesn’t seem likely to happen due to several reasons.
Financial Constraints
The Lions would have to give up significant draft capital to acquire Hendrickson, who is set to become a free agent in 2026. With a projected cap space of just $2.5 million in 2026, the Lions would struggle to fit Hendrickson’s estimated $200 million contract over four years. This amount is comparable to what star edge rushers Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt signed in recent years ¹.
Prioritizing Existing Talent
The Lions have other pressing needs and commitments to address, particularly with their star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who is due for an extension. Hutchinson’s deal would likely rival Hendrickson’s in terms of cost, making it challenging for the Lions to justify signing both players.
Other Roster Commitments
The Lions have several key players nearing contract extensions, including Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Jack Campbell. These players will command a significant portion of the Lions’ available cap space in 2026, further limiting the team’s ability to accommodate Hendrickson’s contract demands.
Alternative Solutions
Given the financial constraints and roster commitments, it’s more likely that the Lions will focus on developing their existing edge rushers or signing a player who can provide depth and competition. This approach would allow the team to maintain its core while addressing other needs through free agency or the draft.
Conclusion
While acquiring Trey Hendrickson would undoubtedly bolster the Lions’ defense, the financial and roster implications make it an unlikely scenario. The Lions’ front office seems to be aware of these limitations and is instead prioritizing the development of their existing talent and managing their cap space effectively. By doing so, the team can maintain its competitive edge while avoiding potentially crippling financial commitments ¹.
