Look, the Lions are going to get an edge rusher one way or another. There have been way too much conversation about helping Aidan Hutchinson – who is, at this point, arguably the on-field face of their franchise – next season and beyond for it not to happen. Whether it's through some sort of convulted, Moneyball-esque signing this summer, or a big swing in next month's draft, it seems like only a matter of time before Brad Holmes takes a big swing.
But if he's still looking for suggestions, I'd probably point him towards Bleacher Report, who pored over all the stats, watched all the tape, and then figured out a wildly clever idea: the Lions should simply trade for the best edge rusher in football! In a new listicle titled, '1 Trade Each NFL Contender Should Consider to Fill Biggest Weakness,' B/R went out on a limb and paired the Lions with Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who's currently in a bit of a contract stalemate with Cincinnati and may, if you believe the reports, want out. Here's their rationale, which is probably 200 words longer than it really needs to be (very relatable tbh).
"Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks last season, has been on the sideline as the Cincinnati Bengals worked on extensions for Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. The Bengals aren't reportedly eager to trade the 30-year-old, and could reach an agreement to retain him ... The Lions should see if they can pull off what other teams, to this point, have been unable to do and acquire Hendrickson. Pairing him with Hutchinson would give Detroit arguably the most disruptive pass-rushing tandem in the NFL ... A rookie might be equally effective and would certainly be more budget-friendly. However, Hendrickson is a proven playmaker, and the Lions are still equipped with $35.4 million in cap space."
Just trade for (arguably) the best defensive player in football! I don't know why Holmes and the rest of Detroit's front office hasn't thought of that yet. In B/R's earnest defense, it is a good idea. It's just not a particularly new or interesting one. But that's ok! They don't all have to be thought-provoking; sometimes the best answer is right there under your nose. So remember: if the Lions end up trading for Hendrickson, you heard it at B/R – or, also, everywhere else on the internet – first.
The Cleveland Browns have a clear question at quarterback, given the injury woes and substandard play of Deshaun Watson. Watson has been with the Browns for the past three seasons after being traded to Cleveland in the prime of his career. ...
Look, the Lions are going to get an edge rusher one way or another. There have been way too much conversation about helping Aidan Hutchinson – who is, at this point, arguably the on-field face of their franchise – next season and ...
It wasn't so long ago that both the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles were one in the same. Their fanbases had to live through tormented playoff exits and embarrassing seasons. For the Bills, their four straight runs to the Super Bowl ...
Micah Parsons clapped back at criticism he received from former Dallas Cowboys teammate DeMarcus Lawrence after the latter joined the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. During a conversation with Clarence Hill of All City DLLS, the star linebacker opened up on his online spat with ...
Five years ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' franchise was turned upside down when Tom Brady agreed to come play for the team. The Buccaneers would win a Super Bowl in their first year with him under center, and they'd win a ...