The Detroit Lions have explored various ways to find a solid edge-rushing partner for Aidan Hutchinson, turning to the draft, free agency, and trade market, but with only limited success.
They may take another shot this offseason, with a report suggesting they could trade some draft picks to acquire Trey Hendrickson, a Pro Bowler from the Cincinnati Bengals. This deal would address a major need, giving their pass rush a needed lift after Hutchinson missed time with a season-ending injury last year.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report projected that Hendrickson could be had for two Day 2 selections—a second-rounder in 2025 (No. 60 overall) and a third-round pick next year. While costly, Knox said such a price might be necessary to convince Cincinnati to move their standout edge rusher, who is finishing a $60 million deal.
“The Bengals might not offer Trey Hendrickson in a deal, but they should,” Knox said. “While the Colts look like a fit for the league’s sacks leader, the Lions should be just as aggressive in going after him.”
Even with Hutchinson nearing a return from the leg injury that sidelined him last October, Knox said Detroit still lacks depth on the edge. Their trade for Za’Darius Smith at last year’s deadline ended when his contract expired, and his return remains uncertain.
Smith ended the season second on the team with 4.0 sacks, Knox added, highlighting Detroit’s clear need to reinforce the pass rush.
“The Lions don’t have a sure shot at a top-tier edge defender at pick 28,” Knox wrote. “Although B/R’s mock paired them with Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton, making a move early on Day 2 for Hendrickson would be a smart play.”
There are other ways Detroit could address the need—Russell Brown of USA Today’s Lions Wire suggested a possible trade up to the No. 15 pick by working a deal with the Atlanta Falcons, a team looking to gain more draft assets.
If so, Brown said Detroit would likely target a defensive end like Georgia’s tykel Williams or Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, either of whom could significantly boost their defensive line. He doubts either will still be on the board at 28, making a trade-up the most logical move if they want a top-tier talent.
Free agency remains another possible route, with veteran Von Miller now available after his release by the Buffalo Bills. The Lions could also explore re-signing Smith for another run.
