The Detroit Lions are gearing up to make a serious push for the championship in the 2025 NFL season. Following a remarkable 2024 run, arguably their best regular season ever injuries hit hard and ultimately cost them a shot at advancing past the Divisional Round, where they lost to the Washington Commanders.
Now reloaded and determined to contend, the Lions could be one dominant edge rusher away from a legitimate Super Bowl bid. That’s where Trey Hendrickson comes into play.
Trey Hendrickson: The Missing Piece on Detroit’s Defense
The Lions upgraded several parts of their roster during the 2025 offseason, but they still clearly need an edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. Although they’ve shown interest in various pass rushers, Detroit hasn’t secured a true difference-maker on the defensive line. Trey Hendrickson might be the solution.
The Cincinnati Bengals defensive standout has drawn attention throughout the offseason due to a contract dispute. After posting back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons, Hendrickson is pushing for a major extension, something the Bengals haven’t offered. During Bengals rookie minicamp, he publicly stated that he has no intention of playing under his current deal.
This situation creates an opportunity for potential trades, and the Lions should be among the most aggressive teams in pursuit.
Trey Hendrickson’s Dominance
In 2024, Trey Hendrickson delivered an elite performance, showcasing his dominance throughout the season. He appeared in all 17 games and led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, matching his own franchise record while setting a new personal best.
Hendrickson consistently made an impact on the field, recording 46 total tackles, defending six passes, and forcing two fumbles. His standout efforts earned him two AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, a First-team All-Pro selection, and a third straight Pro Bowl appearance. Thanks to his relentless drive and dependable production, Hendrickson has firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s top edge defenders.
Proposed Trade Details
Here’s a potential trade package that could get a deal done between Detroit and Cincinnati:
Lions Receive:
DE Trey Hendrickson
2026 third-round pick
Bengals Receive:
2026 first-round pick
2027 second-round pick
2026 fifth-round pick (conditional)
DT D.J. Reader
The Bengals receive the first-round pick they’ve reportedly been targeting, along with extra value in the form of a second-round selection and the return of a familiar player, D.J. Reader.
The deal also includes a conditional fifth-round pick that could increase in value depending on Trey Hendrickson’s performance or the Lions’ postseason success. For instance, the pick becomes a fourth-rounder if Hendrickson tallies over 10 sacks or earns a Pro Bowl nod. It escalates further to a second-round pick if Detroit reaches the Super Bowl. This flexible structure helps make the trade more appealing for Cincinnati.
Why the Lions Should Consider the Move
Cincinnati appears to be making a smart move by trading a frustrated star in exchange for a strong return. But how does the move benefit the Lions?
Detroit seems confident that bringing in Hendrickson can elevate them to championship contention. The team is built to win now, featuring depth across crucial offensive spots and a dependable defensive foundation. With quarterback Jared Goff leading the way and rising stars like Tyleik Williams and Alim McNeill reinforcing the interior defense, the roster is ready to compete.
Still, the financial stakes are high. Hendrickson is expected to seek a new contract worth around $30 million per year, which could strain Detroit’s cap space and make it difficult to keep core players like Aidan Hutchinson and Brian Branch down the line.
The Verdict: Short-Term Gain vs. Long-Term Risk
Trading for Trey Hendrickson signals Detroit’s commitment to winning now, potentially giving their Super Bowl chances a significant boost. But the move isn’t without long-term consequences—cap space could tighten, and tough roster choices may follow.
Even so, the risk might be justified for a franchise still seeking its first Super Bowl appearance. Hendrickson offers elite pass-rushing ability and could be the missing piece that pushes the Lions over the top in the postseason.
