The Perfect Trade? Why the Detroit Lions Should Target Trey Hendrickson

A Game-Changer on the Market

If the Detroit Lions are looking for a premier player who can both elevate their pass rush and save them money, there may be no better option than Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. The Pro Bowl defensive end has reportedly requested a trade—a move that the Bengals don’t often entertain. Known for their hard-nosed business approach, the Bengals typically resist trading away their star players. But in Hendrickson’s case, something is different.

The Surprising Trade Request

According to NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Bengals’ rare willingness to grant a trade request stems from Hendrickson’s camp insisting that they could fetch a first-round pick in return. That’s a steep asking price for any player, even one as talented as Hendrickson. While several teams have shown interest, the reality is that the Bengals’ demands might be too high.

The Stalemate with the Bengals

Here’s where things get complicated. The Bengals have a reputation for being one of the most stubborn front offices in the league. They don’t like to part with players unless the return is exactly what they want. Even though Hendrickson has asked for a trade, the Bengals would likely rather force him to play out his contract than accept a deal they consider subpar.

Considering his contract situation and age (29 years old), getting a first-round pick for Hendrickson seems unrealistic. However, a second-round pick? That’s much more feasible, and plenty of teams—including the Lions—would likely be willing to pay that price.

Why the Lions Should Be All-In

Detroit is a team on the rise. Coming off one of their best seasons in recent history, the Lions are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. However, one area that still needs improvement is their pass rush. While Aidan Hutchinson has been phenomenal, he needs more support to help take the Lions’ defense to an elite level.

Adding a dominant edge rusher like Hendrickson could be the missing piece. He’s coming off a strong season, registering 17.5 sacks over the last two years. Partnering him with Hutchinson would give Detroit a devastating pass-rushing duo, a crucial asset in an NFC stacked with elite quarterbacks.

The Price of Excellence

The Bengals, true to form, are playing hardball. They expect a first-round pick in return for Hendrickson, but that price might be a bit optimistic. At 29 years old and with an impending contract extension looming, many teams will hesitate to part with such a high-value draft pick.

For the Lions, the better move would be to offer a second-round pick and take on his contract extension. This strategy would allow Detroit to retain their first-round pick for additional depth while still landing a proven pass rusher in his prime.

Will the Lions Pull the Trigger?

Realistically, this trade remains a long shot because the Bengals aren’t known for making player-friendly moves. If they refuse to budge on their demand for a first-round pick, Hendrickson might be stuck in Cincinnati for another season.

However, if Detroit is serious about contending for a Super Bowl and believes Hendrickson can put their defense over the top, then maybe—just maybe—they’d consider parting ways with a late first-round pick. It’s a gamble, but for a team on the verge of greatness, it just might be the move that puts them over the top.

So, should the Lions make a move for Trey Hendrickson? Maybe. Will they? That’s the million-dollar question.