By Moses Joshua 
A closer look at the bold trade proposal that could bring Trey Hendrickson to Detroit—and what it would mean for the Lions’ Super Bowl ambitions.
A Potential Game-Changer in the Trenches
As the Detroit Lions gear up for what they hope will be a Super Bowl-caliber 2025 season, ESPN analyst Ben Solak has stirred up a storm with a trade proposal that could dramatically bolster Detroit’s pass rush: acquiring All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hendrickson, currently at a contractual impasse with Cincinnati, remains one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the NFL. With the Bengals having already handed out large contracts to star wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, there’s real doubt they can also afford to satisfy Hendrickson’s demands. That financial tension has cracked open a potential opportunity for Detroit—and Solak believes the Lions should seize it.
The Deal on the Table
Solak’s proposed package would send a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 conditional fourth-rounder (which could escalate to a third) to Cincinnati. In return, the Lions would acquire Trey Hendrickson and a 2026 fifth-round pick.
ESPN Bengals beat reporter Ben Baby endorsed the offer, calling it a win for both sides. “Solak’s offer is very good for the Bengals,” Baby wrote. “Let’s say the Lions give Hendrickson a three-year deal worth $90 million. It is less than what the Texans gave Danielle Hunter… which would be a bargain for Detroit if Hendrickson continues his All-Pro form.”
Why Hendrickson Makes Sense for Detroit
Detroit already boasts an ascending defense anchored by Aidan Hutchinson, but adding Hendrickson would create one of the league’s most feared pass-rushing duos. Hendrickson tallied 17.5 sacks in 2023 and has been a consistent terror off the edge since arriving in Cincinnati.
For a team that struggled to close games with defensive stops late in the postseason, Hendrickson’s presence could tilt that balance. His addition would free up more opportunities for interior disruptors and put real pressure on NFC quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Jordan Love, and Brock Purdy—potential playoff opponents.
The Financial and Roster Fit
While a three-year, $90 million extension sounds steep, it’s a manageable figure for a team like Detroit that has been careful with cap space. Plus, with Jared Goff recently extended and the core roster largely intact, this is the type of aggressive move that championship contenders make when they see a title window open.
The Lions’ front office, led by GM Brad Holmes, has already proven willing to deal. Holmes maintains a strong relationship with front offices across the league—and if Cincinnati truly sees value in Solak’s proposed deal, this could become a real possibility before training camp.
Final Verdict: Pull the Trigger?
If Hendrickson is truly available—and if the Lions believe their Super Bowl window is now—this may be the right time to make a splash. Detroit has done well building through the draft, but elite, proven pass rushers are rarely on the market. This trade might cost draft capital, but the return could be a franchise-altering defensive piece.
With the NFC growing more competitive and pressure mounting after last season’s playoff disappointment, the Lions must ask themselves: how aggressive are they willing to be to chase a Lombardi?
Should they pull the trigger? If you ask the fans and some analysts, the answer is loud and clear: yes.