By Blessing 
Could the Detroit Lions make one of the boldest moves of the 2025 NFL Draft? According to one insider, they might just do that — and it involves one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers.
A Bold Trade Proposal for Trey Hendrickson
In the whirlwind world of NFL Draft rumors, some ideas stand out, and this one is certainly among the most intriguing.
Dane Brugler, a respected NFL analyst from The Athletic, has floated an audacious trade suggestion that could change the face of the Lions’ defense. Brugler proposes that Detroit general manager Brad Holmes should send the Lions’ No. 28 overall pick to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for Trey Hendrickson, a 29-year-old All-Pro edge rusher who’s terrorized quarterbacks for years.
The Sack Stats Don’t Lie
Hendrickson isn’t your typical pass rusher. He’s a proven threat, with an impressive career total of 77 sacks, including a jaw-dropping 17.5 sacks in both of the last two seasons. Pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson would give Detroit two elite edge rushers, instantly boosting their Super Bowl aspirations.
While Hendrickson and the Bengals have reportedly been in talks over a potential contract extension, no deal has been finalized yet. This opens the door for the Lions, who could swoop in with a trade and secure Hendrickson’s services long term.
A Move to Strengthen an Already Strong Team
Under Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, the Lions have made significant strides and are now a team on the rise. With few weaknesses left to address, the most pressing need remains finding a reliable partner for Hutchinson on the edge.
Hendrickson could be that missing piece. While trading a first-round pick is a significant cost, for a team this close to championship contention, taking that calculated risk could propel Detroit into a genuine Super Bowl race.
The Big Question
Will the Lions pull the trigger on such a daring move? Only time will tell. But if Detroit wants to go all-in for 2025, Brugler’s suggestion seems like a mo
ve worth considering.