By Moses Joshua 
Report Dampens Hopes of Adding Elite Edge Rusher to Detroit’s Stacked Roster
The Dream That May Never Be
For months, Detroit Lions fans have fantasized about a defensive front anchored by Aidan Hutchinson and Cincinnati Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. With Detroit’s offense already atop the league in 2025, Hendrickson felt like the missing piece in a Super Bowl-ready puzzle. But according to a trusted local insider, that dream may remain just that—fiction.
Detroit Free Press reporter Dave Birkett delivered a sobering update this week: the Lions aren’t seriously pursuing Hendrickson, despite mounting fan speculation and the player’s own contract standoff in Cincinnati.
“I haven’t gotten any indication the Lions are serious players to add Hendrickson,” Birkett reported. “In fact, all signs point to the opposite.”
Financial Reality vs. Fantasy Football
The Bengals’ pass rush phenom, coming off back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons and a league-leading 83 pressures in 2024, has made it clear he will not play on his current contract. Hendrickson reportedly wants to be paid like a top-tier edge rusher—up to $35 million annually. That figure has proven too rich even for desperate suitors.
And Detroit? They’ve already shown where their financial boundaries lie. General Manager Brad Holmes stated earlier this offseason that the team couldn’t afford to re-sign veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith. If Smith’s price was too steep, Hendrickson’s premium tag is well out of reach.
“That price point – $35 million annually? – doesn’t jibe with how the Lions are operating financially,” Birkett added.
What Could’ve Been: A Ferocious Duo
Had a trade been feasible, the addition of Hendrickson would’ve vaulted Detroit’s defensive front into elite territory. Pairing him with Hutchinson could’ve delivered the NFL’s most lethal pass rush—an ideal complement to their high-octane offense.
Instead, it appears the Lions are sticking to a measured roster-building strategy, even if that means forgoing flashy blockbuster deals.
What’s Next for Detroit?
With the door likely closed on Hendrickson, Detroit may turn its attention to more budget-friendly reinforcements. Mid-tier free agents or emerging young players already on the roster could fill the rotational need.
Training camp and preseason development will also be crucial. Internal progress from players like James Houston, Josh Paschal, or a late-round rookie could help the Lions fortify the pass rush without blowing up the cap sheet.
Bottom Line
The Lions are building for sustained success, not splashy headlines. While Hendrickson remains a dream addition on paper, the odds of Detroit making that dream reality are slim to none. For now, Lions fans will have to trust the front office’s disciplined approach—and hope another path to pressure is in the works.