By Blessing 
Lions Still in the Mix for Trey Hendrickson—But at a Steep Price
The buzz around a potential Trey Hendrickson trade isn’t dying down just yet—and Detroit Lions fans are still holding out hope. One of the top pass-rushers in the NFL could be within reach, but prying him away from Cincinnati won’t come cheap.
NFL insider Albert Breer recently chimed in on the speculation in his latest mailbag for Sports Illustrated, responding to questions from Lions fans eager to see the team make a splash on the edge. Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks in 2024, has been the subject of trade rumors for weeks—but it’s clear the Bengals aren’t letting him go for anything less than top-tier compensation.
“The Bengals want at least a second-round pick for him,” Breer explained. “And it’s a lot to ask, to give a 31-year-old pass rusher, regardless of how good he is, in excess of $30 million per year while forking over that type of draft capital to pry him away.”
The Lions do hold a late second-round pick, which could make the price tag a bit easier to stomach compared to other teams. Still, as Breer noted, it’s a move that would have ripple effects on the rest of the roster—particularly in terms of future contract negotiations.
“I would question how it’d affect negotiations with Aidan Hutchinson,” Breer added, pointing out that the team’s young star edge rusher is expected to command a significant long-term extension soon.
Another Lions fan asked about the team’s general plans to boost its edge-rushing group. Detroit has already made a few moves in that department—bringing in veteran Marcus Davenport on a one-year deal and re-signing Levi Onwuzurike. Meanwhile, the recent release of Za’Darius Smith raised eyebrows, though there’s still a chance the veteran could return under a more cap-friendly contract.
While Hendrickson would certainly add firepower to Detroit’s defensive line, the financial and draft capital involved might push the team to consider other routes. With a deep 2025 draft class rich in edge talent, General Manager Brad Holmes could very well opt to develop a younger, more cost-effective prospect rather than roll the dice on a pricey veteran.
Breer echoed that sentiment, saying, “I think the release of Za’Darius Smith is a precursor to something happening at the position. But I’d warn that it does not have to be in free agency or via a trade.”
He emphasized that this year’s draft is stacked with edge defenders, opening the door for Detroit to invest in multiple young linemen and still walk away with solid long-term value. “It’s certainly possible they could spend both the 28th and 60th picks on defensive linemen, and wind up looking smart for it down the line,” he said.
One name floated by Breer was Tennessee standout James Pearce Jr., who could be a game-changing addition if available when the Lions are on the clock.
Of course, budget considerations are front and center. Hendrickson is projected to command north of $35 million per year, especially in the wake of Myles Garrett’s $40 million annual deal with Cleveland. On top of that, Detroit is already preparing to lock in core players like Hutchinson and safety Kerby Joseph with lucrative extensions—and looming decisions on players like Jameson Williams are also on the horizon.
So while the Hendrickson rumors are still alive, Lions fans may want to keep their expectations in check. A blockbuster move is possible—but so is a more strategic, future-focused path.