Trey Hendrickson's latest comments should make Lions extremely wary of trade

The Detroit Lions have some of the most cap space in the NFL left in 2025, according to Over the Cap. With $42.3 million in team cap space, they could theoretically still go after a big fish in free agency - or, go after a big fish on the trade market and pay them right afterward.

The issue is, the team also has to take into consideration the future paydays of players like Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs in 2027 when they become free agents. So, the question of whether they'd be willing to trade for another big piece to add to the team is a valid one, especially when considering they need to be mindful of keeping the rest of their core together.

That's where Trey Hendrickson comes in. The Cincinnati Bengals' top pass rusher and 2024 NFL sack leader has gotten very vocal about his displeasure with the way the team has handled negotiations between himself and them, either to get a trade done or to get an extension done. He touched on everything from the team "provoking" him to HC Zac Taylor threatening him with fines if he didn't play this year.

He also told reporters that he doesn't plan on playing without a new deal - either with the Bengals or with another team. That's a huge detail for the Lions to really key in on, and it's why it feels like a trade for Hendrickson is still a stretch.

Hendrickson seeking a payday makes Lions trade seem unlikely

Hendrickson told reporters during a workout that in conversations he's had with other pass rushers around the league, he was "able to see what value I could bring to other teams, and this team as well."

"Fortunately for me, a lot of the guys that were representing with me at the Pro Bowl - Danielle Hunter, Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby - I've gotten to know those guys over the last four years. Through that, their teams have respectfully rewarded them for the hard work and dedication, and willing to win, that they had for their respective teams."

Using other star pass rushers as examples can clue fans in to the type of payday that Hendrickson is seeking with his next deal. Garrett broke records with his deal with the Cleveland Browns, while Crosby received a massive extension with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, as well.

Lions insider Mike Payton has continuously mentioned that the team does not seem interested in doling out a massive contract like that of Garrett's or Crosby's for anyone's services, and that's becoming a seeming necessity for any team looking to land Hendrickson this offseason and get him to play in 2025.