A recent ESPN analysis (via Sports Illustrated) places the Detroit Lions atop the list of contenders aiming to snag All‑Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson from Cincinnati . With Hendrickson locked in a looming contract battle—despite back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons—the Bengals may be forced to trade if they can’t meet his demands .
ESPN analyst Ben Solak’s proposal is a standout. Here’s the breakdown:
Lions give: 2026 second‑round pick + conditional 2027 fourth‑rounder (potentially upgraded to a third)
Lions receive: Hendrickson + a 2026 fifth‑round pick
The package is seen as favorable for both sides: the Bengals land draft assets, and Detroit secures an elite pass rusher on what could be a team-friendly three-year, ~$90 million deal (below recent market deals) .
That said, Detroit’s financial picture is tricky. With Aidan Hutchinson already earning north of $30 million annually, adding another high-priced defender could stretch the cap thin . The Lions would need to balance star power and budget flexibility.
🧭 What This Could Mean for Detroit
Benefit Concern
Instant boost to Lions’ pass rush alongside Hutchinson Cap hit and long-term salary structure
Signals aggressive Super Bowl intent Risk of blocking future spending on key positions
In Summary:
Analysts see Detroit as the most realistic landing spot for Hendrickson, should Cincinnati decide to trade. The proposed deal hits the sweet spot—picks in exchange for a top-tier, still-in-his-prime pass rusher. But Detroit must navigate salary cap constraints carefully if they want both Hutchinson and Hendrickson sharing the defensive front.
Detroit Lions Floated as Front-Runners in Trey Hendrickson Trade Rumors
