By Sunday 
Detroit Lions fans are no strangers to bold dreams—and this offseason, one of the boldest involves adding a proven pass-rushing monster to an already dangerous defensive front. None other than Lions legend Calvin Johnson is getting behind the idea, and the thought of it? As Megatron put it: “Pretty scary.”
The Big What-If: Trey Hendrickson in Honolulu Blue
Rumors have been swirling for weeks about the Lions’ interest in Bengals star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. While nothing is imminent, Hendrickson’s contract situation in Cincinnati continues to raise eyebrows. With the Bengals juggling rookie deals and no resolution in sight, it’s not out of the question that Hendrickson could be moved—and the Lions have both the cap room and the motivation to make a serious offer.
It’s not just fans dreaming up the scenario anymore. When Calvin Johnson talks, Detroit listens.
“That Would Be a Dominant Move”
During a recent appearance on Up and Adams with Kay Adams, Johnson lit up at the idea of pairing Hendrickson with Aidan Hutchinson on the Lions’ defensive line. Hutchinson was on a tear last season before injury struck—racking up 7.5 sacks in just five games—and adding another relentless edge rusher across from him would be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
“Man, I would love that,” Johnson said. “To see Aidan and Hendrickson across from each other, that’s pretty scary. That would be pretty awesome. That would be a dominant move. I don’t know if we can afford it, but hey, that would be a great move.”
When Megatron calls a move “dominant,” it’s hard not to take it seriously.
Why It Actually Makes Sense
This isn’t just a Madden-style fantasy trade. The Lions have the financial flexibility to make something happen—and with their defense improving year by year, bolstering the pass rush could be the final piece to make them true contenders. A Hutchinson-Hendrickson duo would instantly put Detroit among the most feared defensive fronts in the NFL.
Sure, money and long-term planning matter, but in a wide-open NFC North, a splashy move could be the difference between a deep playoff run and another early exit.
Lions Fans Can Dare to Dream
For now, it’s just talk. But when that talk comes from Calvin Johnson—and when the logic actually checks out—it’s more than just smoke. Whether or not Brad Holmes and the front office pull the trigger, fans can feel something building in Detroit. And if Hendrickson does somehow end up in Honolulu Blue?
Let’s just say every quarterback on the Lions’ schedule should probably start watching tape… and their blind side.