The Detroit Lions could be on the verge of another bold move to strengthen their Super Bowl aspirations. In a new ESPN feature, NFL analyst Bill Barnwell outlined 13 potential trades before the league’s deadline, with Detroit emerging as one of the biggest winners. Among the proposals, one stands out — a deal that would send Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to the Motor City.
Proposed Trade Details:
Lions receive: EDGE Trey Hendrickson, 2026 4th-round pick
Bengals receive: 2026 2nd-round pick
Barnwell’s Grade: A
Barnwell believes this trade would immediately elevate Detroit’s defensive front. Pairing Hendrickson with Aidan Hutchinson would give head coach Dan Campbell one of the most disruptive edge duos in the NFL. The combination would force opposing offenses to adjust protections, often leaving tight ends and running backs in to block — limiting their ability to contribute in the passing game.
For the Bengals, the move makes sense from a long-term perspective. With playoff hopes slipping and Hendrickson entering the final year of his contract, Cincinnati would gain valuable draft capital rather than risk losing the Pro Bowl pass rusher for nothing in free agency.
From the Lions’ perspective, this would be a calculated “win-now” move. Detroit has positioned itself as a legitimate NFC contender, and adding a proven pass rusher could be the missing ingredient for a deep postseason run. Campbell’s familiarity with Hendrickson — the two overlapped during their time with the New Orleans Saints — adds an extra layer of trust and fit to the potential deal.
General manager Brad Holmes has shown a willingness to make aggressive trades before, and the team’s cap situation remains manageable this season. With Detroit’s secondary dealing with injuries, a stronger pass rush could reduce pressure on the back end and allow the defense to dictate games.
In short, this trade checks every box for a contender. It boosts Detroit’s defensive ceiling, provides playoff-tested experience, and signals to the rest of the league that the Lions are serious about chasing a championship.
If Barnwell’s proposal ever comes to life, the Lions’ defense could become a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks — and Detroit’s Super Bowl dreams might take one giant step closer to reality.
