The Detroit Lions have surprisingly not made a major splash along the defensive line thus far this offseason, but a top prize of the period remains on the market in Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, but in the days since free agency opened, the status of talks involving the Pro Bowl talent has been quiet. It makes the move no less appealing for Detroit, and also doesn't mean action hasn't happened behind the scenes.
In a mailbag, Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer was asked if the Lions dealing for Hendrickson remained possible. Breer didn't slam the door on the prospect of the move as quickly as many might expect.
"I think it's possible. The Bengals want at least a second-round pick for him, and it's a lot to ask, to give a 31-year-old pass rusher, regardless of how good he is, in excess of $30 million per year while forking over that type of draft capital to pry him away. The Detroit Lions are picking at the end of the round, so maybe the pick would be a little easier for them to part with, but I would question how it'd affect negotiations with Aidan Hutchinson."
Like Breer, The Athletic's Dianna Russini hinted at a high price on Hendrickson, which is causing market reservations. It's fair to wonder if the Lions have been involved in negotiations given their relative inaction at the position.
This offseason, Brad Holmes cautioned that elite edge players aren't easy to come by. At the same time, he bypassed several easy free-agent solutions, from Josh Sweat to Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. Whether that means anything for Hendrickson's pursuit remains to be seen. The contract of Aidan Hutchinson, who is likely to get a major payday soon, certainly looms large.
Albert Breer believes Detroit Lions could also turn to draft for pass-rush help
Thus far, the Lions have elected to sign role players and keep their own free agents minus a splashy move to sign cornerback DJ Reed. That could be telling as it relates to what their plan is for the edge market.
Another question was asked of Breer regarding if the Lions intend to find outside pass-rush help at all. Breer reminded the curious fan that the 2025 draft is deep at the position, and hinted that Detroit could even double dip come April.
"I think the release of Za'Darius Smith is a precursor to something happening at the position. But I'd warn that it does not have to be in free agency or via a trade. This year's draft class is obscenely deep in edge players, so it's certainly possible they could spend both the 28th and 60th picks on defensive linemen, and wind up looking smart for it down the line."
Regardless, Lions fans must also stay tuned on Hendrickson. In the mind of some, the potential exists for a bold move to be made, however impossible it may seem.
