As the Detroit Lions actively explore options to trade for an edge rusher, an NFL analyst has highlighted a fitting candidate who could address their needs.
Dan Campbell may keep things light-hearted in his comments, but he’s been clear that Detroit is pursuing trade options for an edge rusher. This search hinges on two main factors: cost, both in trade capital and potential salary, and finding the right “fit.” For the Lions, “fit” includes not only on-field talent and scheme alignment but also the intangible qualities the organization values in players.
NFL.com’s Kevin Patra recently outlined potential trade matches as next Tuesday’s deadline approaches. Given the Lions’ need for an edge rusher, they appeared prominently on his list. The player he identified for Detroit is a familiar name in trade discussions—Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
Trey Hendrickson as a Trade Target for the Lions
“I’m not entirely convinced the Bengals will become sellers, despite a rough start to their season. That isn’t typically their style. Still, Hendrickson made a trade request in the offseason tied to his contract situation. Cincinnati may consider a move now to avoid revisiting this in 2025, the final year of his deal.”
“If Raiders star Maxx Crosby is indeed unavailable, the Lions should target Hendrickson. Detroit’s coaching staff knows him well—Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were both with New Orleans during Hendrickson’s time there (2017-2020). He has the high-energy style Campbell admires and would be a strong locker-room fit.
With seven sacks and 36 QB pressures this season, Hendrickson continues to make a significant impact off the edge.”
—Kevin Patra, NFL.com
So far this season, Hendrickson has posted seven sacks and seven tackles for loss. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks as the 20th-best edge defender, with a 71.1 grade in run defense—slightly higher than Aidan Hutchinson’s. Hendrickson’s breakout 2020 season, where he recorded 13.5 sacks with New Orleans, came with Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn on the Saints’ staff under Sean Payton.
From a contract perspective, Hendrickson is set to earn a prorated $14.8 million this year and $15.8 million in 2025, though the latter is non-guaranteed.
As Patra highlighted, the key question remains whether the 3-5 Bengals would part with Hendrickson. However, given his previous trade request and the expiration of his contract in 2025, Cincinnati may opt to gain value now rather than risk losing him later.
Hendrickson appears to be a player Detroit would strongly consider, perhaps one they’ve already inquired about. If Cincinnati is unwilling to negotiate, it won’t change the fact that the three-time Pro Bowler is an excellent match for a Lions team in need of pass-rushing strength, with coaches who know him well and postseason goals in mind.
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