Detroit Lions supporters, get ready — there’s a bold trade scenario making the rounds, and it’s got plenty of people talking.
A speculative trade outlined by Mike Luciano from FanSided has the Lions going all-in to strengthen their pass rush by bringing in standout edge rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Proposed Deal
Lions Acquire:
EDGE Trey Hendrickson
2025 5th-Round Pick (No. 153)
2026 4th-Round Pick
Bengals Acquire:
2025 1st-Round Pick (No. 28 overall)
2025 7th-Round Pick (No. 228)
2026 3rd-Round Pick
This isn’t just another trade rumor — it would be a major shake-up.
Why It Adds Up for the Lions
Detroit’s defense made significant progress in 2024, but there’s still a noticeable void in the pass rush opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Hendrickson could fill that gap perfectly. Since 2020, he’s consistently hit double-digit sacks each season and brings relentless energy on every snap. Despite his production, he doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves — and at 29, he’s still in his prime.
Putting Hendrickson alongside Hutchinson would give the Lions one of the most dangerous edge-rushing tandems in the NFL.
Although the trade would cost Detroit a first-rounder and a few other picks, GM Brad Holmes has never shied away from making bold moves to improve the roster when the opportunity presents itself.
The Contract Situation
Hendrickson is set to play the final year of his current deal and has publicly indicated he’s looking for a new contract. While that adds a layer of complexity, it’s likely the Lions would be prepared to negotiate a longer-term agreement if they see him as a vital piece in their championship pursuit.
Making a Statement
The Lions aren’t flying under the radar anymore — they’re a team with legitimate postseason aspirations. Bringing in a proven player like Hendrickson would signal that they’re not just hoping to contend — they intend to.
Final Thoughts
Although it’s just a concept at this point, the trade proposal is compelling. For a team with a strong young core, parting with a late first-round selection for a proven defensive star might be the type of calculated risk that propels Detroit into serious Super Bowl contention in 2025.
