The Detroit Lions are preparing for what may be their toughest challenge yet in Week 4: a showdown with the Cleveland Browns, the NFL’s top-ranked defense. According to the most recent Fox Sports defensive rankings, Cleveland sits at No. 1, while Atlanta and Green Bay hold the next two spots. Detroit’s unit, by contrast, lands at No. 14 — behind the Vikings but still above the Bears. That gap highlights an area where Detroit could look to improve if they want to cement themselves among the league’s elite.
One solution gaining traction is the idea of adding another proven edge rusher. Right now, the pass-rushing burden falls heavily on Aidan Hutchinson, and while he has shown the ability to dominate, the Lions could benefit from pairing him with another high-level disruptor.
Detroit’s strong start to the season has only added fuel to this conversation. Their thrilling 38-30 Monday Night Football win over the Baltimore Ravens on September 22 was a statement performance that showed the Lions are serious contenders in the NFC. But with expectations rising, so too does the pressure to make a move that could push them over the top.
The name that continues to surface is Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals. Hendrickson was a hot topic during the offseason before ultimately staying with Cincinnati. But circumstances have shifted. With quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined for an extended period, the Bengals’ playoff hopes are shaky, and the franchise could explore trade options before the November deadline. That presents an opening for Detroit to strike.
Hendrickson’s résumé speaks for itself. At 30 years old, he has already piled up 79 career sacks and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2024. His relentless style of play and non-stop motor have earned him a reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous pass rushers.
Detroit Jock City’s Nick Halden made the case strongly in a September 26 column, writing that “no potential pass rusher on the trade or free agent market has more impact than Hendrickson.” He also emphasized that Hendrickson embodies the kind of work ethic head coach Dan Campbell values most, calling him a perfect cultural fit for Detroit. Halden added that while Cincinnati’s defense has struggled overall, Hendrickson has continued to shine — and his production could actually increase if he joined a contending roster like the Lions.
Still, there are legitimate hurdles to pulling off such a blockbuster. Detroit must also prioritize securing Hutchinson with a lucrative extension, which will eat up a significant chunk of future salary cap space. Committing heavy financial resources to two elite edge rushers while also keeping the offense intact would be a delicate balancing act. General manager Brad Holmes would also have to weigh whether giving up premium draft capital for Hendrickson is worth the risk, especially when the Lions already have a young, talented core.
Meanwhile, Campbell himself has stayed focused on the immediate task: Sunday’s battle against Cleveland. Speaking on 97.1 The Ticket on September 24, he didn’t mince words about the challenge awaiting his team.
“You see what they did to Green Bay. This defense is for real,” Campbell said. “It’s probably the best defense we’ve faced so far.”
That’s high praise from a coach who has seen his share of tough opponents, and it underscores just how much respect the Browns’ defense has earned. For the Lions, the rankings may not favor them, but they’ve shown through grit, discipline, and offensive firepower that they can compete with anyone.
Whether or not Holmes and the front office make the aggressive move for Hendrickson, Detroit has positioned itself as a true NFC contender. Adding another elite pass rusher could push them into Super Bowl conversation — but even without it, this team has proven it belongs among the NFL’s best.
