The Detroit Lions appear to be on the verge of making a bold move to fortify their pass rush as they chase Super Bowl glory. Despite their strong start, the team’s defensive front has lacked the finishing punch needed to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks — a shortfall amplified by the departure of Za’Darius Smith and an injury to Marcus Davenport.
Currently, the Lions’ edge rotation features standout Aidan Hutchinson, veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad, and the sidelined Davenport. While Hutchinson has been electric, Detroit’s front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes, is feeling the pressure to make an impactful addition before the trade deadline.
One name drawing considerable attention is Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. According to Pro Football & Sports Network’s Josh Weil, a potential deal could involve Detroit sending a 2026 second-round draft pick to Cincinnati in exchange for the four-time Pro Bowler.
Hendrickson’s Fit in Detroit
Adding Hendrickson would instantly elevate the Lions’ defense. Known for his relentless motor and elite sack production, the Bengals star could form a devastating tandem with Hutchinson, creating one of the NFL’s most feared pass-rush duos. Detroit’s offense, led by Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown, already ranks among the best in the league — but improving the defense could be the key to transforming the Lions from contenders into legitimate Super Bowl favorites.
The timing for such a move might also align perfectly. Hendrickson’s relationship with the Bengals front office has been uncertain due to stalled contract extension talks, and his deal runs through 2025. With Cincinnati struggling early this season, the likelihood of the team entertaining trade offers has grown.
Bengals’ Tough Situation
Cincinnati’s slow start, compounded by a 2-3 record and Joe Burrow’s lingering injury, has cast doubt on their playoff hopes. With Burrow expected to be out until at least mid-December and the team recently acquiring veteran Joe Flacco to fill in, the Bengals’ chances of turning things around appear slim.
In that context, moving Hendrickson — who has already logged four sacks and 21 pressures this season — could be a practical way for Cincinnati to acquire future assets while easing salary cap pressure.
Why the Lions Should Act Now
The Lions are in a rare position of strength. Their roster, culture, and leadership under Dan Campbell have positioned them as legitimate Super Bowl contenders — but championship windows can close quickly in the NFL. Trading for Hendrickson would be an aggressive yet strategic move that signals Detroit’s commitment to winning now.
With the trade deadline approaching, Brad Holmes and the front office face a pivotal decision: stand pat with their current lineup or make a high-impact move to elevate their defense to elite status. If the Bengals’ struggles continue, the stars may align for the Lions to pull off one of the biggest trades of the season — one that could bring them a step closer to the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
