The Detroit Lions are looking to remain NFL playoff contenders in 2025 despite the exodus of assistants that Dan Campbell’s staff experienced this offseason.
In large part, the Lions managed to avoid any significant roster turnover during the 2025 offseason. They signed key free agents Kerby Joseph and Derrick Barnes to long-term contract extensions. They also brought in several new additions, such as veteran cornerback D.J. Reed and first-round rookie defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.
Even still, there are a few positions where the Lions could stand to get stronger after watching the rest of the NFC North level up in the offseason as well. Here are three potential trade targets they could consider before the start of training camp in July:
Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson
The Lions have not yet made a clear choice about which pass rusher will start opposite superstar Aidan Hutchinson. Veteran Marcus Davenport is the top candidate coming out of OTAs, but he has played just six games in the last two seasons because of injuries. Behind him, Josh Paschal and sixth-round rookie Ahmed Hassanien are the next-best options, which feels a bit underwhelming for the back-to-back NFC North champs.
If none of the free-agent veterans appeal to them, the Lions could make a bold decision and go all-in with a blockbuster trade for Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks during the 2024 season. The 30-year-old Bengals pass rusher has made the Pro Bowl in each of his last four seasons, tallying 155 tackles, 57 sacks, 112 quarterback hits and 11 forced fumbles during that period while missing just three total games.
The Lions also have more than $40 million remaining in cap space, giving them plenty of money to sign Hendrickson to a long-term deal; although, they would need to find a structure for Hendrickson that would not prohibit them from extending Hutchinson.
Carolina Panthers G/C Cade Mays
The Lions’ offensive line took a significant hit earlier in June when veteran center Frank Ragnow abruptly announced his retirement from the NFL. Fortunately, the Lions have a viable fallback plan in place after selecting former Georgia standout interior lineman Tate Ratledge in the second round of the 2025 draft, assuming he proves up to the task. They also return veteran Graham Glasgow, who is capable of playing guard or center.
The question is whether the Lions have enough interior depth to feel secure. Not only did they lose Ragnow to retirement, but they also allowed veteran Kevin Zeitler to sign with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. To account for those worries, though, they could call the Panthers to check on the availability of versatile interior starter Cade Mays, who projects as their backup behind veteran Austin Corbett in 2025.
According to Pro Football Focus, Mays allowed zero sacks and just 10 pressures on 495 total snaps played at center for the Panthers in 2024. He also started seven games at guard for them in his previous two seasons. If Carolina is open to moving him, Detroit could send them a Day 3 pick and bring him in to compete with Ratledge. With the right development, Mays could even grow into a future starter at guard for the Lions.
New York Giants DE Kayvon Thibodeaux
If the Lions are stuck between wanting to add a more formidable pass-rushing partner for Hutchinson and not wanting to break the bank for someone like Hendrickson, then perhaps the 24-year-old Thibodeaux might interest them more as a potential trade fit.
Thibodeaux has not bloomed into the dominant pass-rushing talent that the Giants had hoped he would when they drafted him with the fifth overall pick in 2022, but he’s still delivered good production over his first three seasons. In 43 career starts, he has tallied 127 tackles with 21 sacks, 46 quarterback hits, 11 pass breakups and six forced fumbles. He also recorded double-digit sacks (11.5) in his only season playing all 17 games.
While Thibodeaux’s eight missed games over his first three years could give the Lions pause, the upside would be immense if he found his footing in their defense alongside Hutchinson. The Giants might demand a Day 2 pick as compensation for Thibodeaux, even with Brian Burns and third overall pick Abdul Carter in the mix. The Lions may not mind considering they would have two years of contract control over Thibodeaux, who carries cap hits of $9.97 million in 2025 and $14.75 million in 2026, per OTC.