The Detroit Lions are emerging as a top contender in the NFC despite missing star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but they are likely to seek a high-caliber replacement for their injured defensive end.
With less than two weeks until the NFL’s November 5 trade deadline, the Lions must act swiftly. A team in their position might usually opt for a bargain player, but with a clear Super Bowl opportunity, head coach Dan Campbell may take a bold approach instead of playing it safe.
One potential target is three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals, whom ESPN’s Benjamin Solak urged Detroit to consider on October 23.
“He requested a trade from the Bengals during the offseason, and I think Cincinnati would move him for the right (steep) price,” Solak noted. “Hendrickson may not fit the typical profile of a Lions’ edge rusher, but his track record as a pass rusher is unquestionable.
He’s one of the few players who could effectively replace Hutchinson. This season, Hendrickson has [7] sacks (fourth in the NFL) and a 27.5% pass rush win rate (third).”
Last season, Hendrickson recorded 17.5 sacks for the Bengals, a career high, and has amassed 66.5 sacks over 100 games in his eight-year career.
