Should the Lions Make a Move for Trey Hendrickson? A Closer Look at the Possibility
The Detroit Lions have been in the market for defensive reinforcements, particularly a dominant pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson. Throughout the offseason, fans have speculated about potential blockbuster trades for elite defensive ends like Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby. However, those dreams have largely been shut down—Crosby signed a lucrative extension with the Raiders, and the Browns have remained firm in their stance that Garrett is off the table despite his reported trade request.
Now, a new name has emerged as a potential trade target: Trey Hendrickson. The Cincinnati Bengals have granted permission for the veteran pass rusher to seek a trade, meaning he is officially available for the right price. Given Detroit’s need for an impact player on the edge, the question now is: should the Lions make a move for the NFL’s 2024 sack leader?
Hendrickson’s Production Speaks for Itself
At 30 years old, Hendrickson remains one of the league’s most productive pass rushers. He has recorded at least 13 sacks in four of the past five seasons, including back-to-back years with 17.5 sacks. Since 2020, he has accumulated 61.5 sacks—trailing only T.J. Watt (73.5) and Myles Garrett (72.0) over that span. Hendrickson is not just a pass-rushing specialist; at 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, he has the size and strength to hold up in the run game as well.
For the Lions, adding a player of his caliber could provide an immediate boost to their defense, which has struggled with generating pressure outside of Hutchinson. Detroit’s pass rush ranked middle-of-the-pack in 2024, and adding Hendrickson would create a formidable duo alongside Hutchinson, taking some of the pressure off the young star.
A Connection with Dan Campbell
One factor that could make Detroit an attractive landing spot for Hendrickson is his previous experience with Lions head coach Dan Campbell. From 2017 to 2020, Hendrickson played for the New Orleans Saints, where Campbell was an assistant head coach. While it’s unclear how strong their relationship was, familiarity with Campbell’s coaching style could be a selling point in any potential trade scenario.
The Financial Hurdle: Can the Lions Afford Him?
Trading for Hendrickson is not just about draft compensation—it’s also about money. He is entering the final year of his contract, which currently carries a $15.8 million salary along with $200,000 in roster bonuses. However, it’s widely believed that Hendrickson is seeking a new deal that would put him among the highest-paid pass rushers in the league. With Maxx Crosby landing a massive $34.5 million per year extension, Hendrickson is likely looking for a similar raise.
This is where things get tricky for the Lions. General manager Brad Holmes has already stated that Detroit is preparing to pay Aidan Hutchinson, who is eligible for a contract extension. When asked last week about acquiring another elite edge rusher, Holmes pointed out the financial difficulties of making such a move.
“Those guys are hard to acquire, and it’s hard to keep them, financially,” Holmes said at the NFL Combine. “Again, we have one that’s due for an extension and we’ve already kind of gotten to the planning stages about him already. When you talk about adding another, it’s can you financially add another one? Because you want to add the other one on top of everything else you already have, and that makes it tough.”
If Detroit trades for Hendrickson, they would not only have to part with draft picks but also commit to a massive extension. That could limit their ability to address other roster needs, including adding depth in the secondary or improving the interior defensive line.
Is Hendrickson Worth the Investment?
While Hendrickson would undoubtedly make the Lions’ defense better in the short term, Detroit must weigh the long-term financial impact. Would committing significant money to two pass rushers be the best use of resources? Would it prevent them from making other necessary improvements elsewhere on defense?
If the Lions believe they are in a Super Bowl window and view Hendrickson as the missing piece, they could justify making an aggressive move. However, if they prioritize financial flexibility and keeping Hutchinson as their clear-cut defensive leader, they may ultimately pass on the opportunity.
For now, the Lions’ interest remains unclear. But with Hendrickson officially on the market, Detroit will have to decide whether adding another elite pass rusher is worth the cost.
Elite Pass Rusher on the Move? 2024 Sack Leader Granted Trade Permission
