Lions trade proposal adds superstar defender on $103 million contract

The Detroit Lions are expected to return as one of the best teams in the NFC in 2025. However, the team still has a glaring need at edge rusher after moving on from Za'Darius Smith this offseason, and that issue must be addressed before the season kicks off.

Detroit could bring back Smith to pair with Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line, but Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport believes the Lions could trade for disgruntled Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.

If Detroit trades for Hendrickson, they'll have to give him a contract extension. Gavenport predicts an extension for the 30-year-old pass rusher will be worth $103.5 million over three seasons, with $74.5 million guaranteed. That is an average annual salary of $34.5 million.

"Sometimes, NFL front offices can be befuddling. But at some point, Hendrickson is going to get his," Davenport wrote.

Hendrickson has been in a contract dispute with the Bengals for the entire offseason, and the four-time Pro Bowler is ready to hold out from training camp if he doesn't receive an extension in the coming weeks.

At some point, Cincinnati is going to have to end this drama and trade Hendrickson. The Lions would be an ideal landing spot, as Hendrickson could be the missing piece that elevates Dan Campbell's squad into the Super Bowl favorites.

The former third-round pick has tallied two straight seasons with over 17.5 sacks and came second in AP Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024. Hendrickson has also posted four double-digit sack seasons in the last five years.

Acquiring Hendrickson and signing him to a new contract will be tough for Detroit, especially with Hutchinson also needing an extension soon. However, general manager Brad Holmes should find a way to acquire the Bengals' pass rusher and go all-in for a Super Bowl in the next few years.