The Detroit Lions have spent time exploring various avenues—through the draft, free agency, and trade market—to find a reliable edge rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson, but their efforts have largely come up short.
This year, they might try again. According to recent reports, the Lions could look to acquire Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for draft picks. Such a move would answer one of Detroit’s pressing offseason questions and bolster a pass rush that struggled after Hutchinson suffered a season-ending leg injury last year.
Lions Eye Hendrickson in Potential Day 2 Trade
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report proposed that Detroit might send a pair of Day 2 picks—specifically, their 2025 second-rounder (No. 60) and a 2026 third-round pick—to land Hendrickson. While it’s a steep cost, Knox argued it might be necessary to pry away the Bengals’ standout edge rusher, who’s nearing the end of a $60 million deal.
“While the Bengals might be reluctant to part with Hendrickson, they should consider it,” Knox wrote. He added that although the Colts are also a potential landing spot, Detroit would be wise to act aggressively in pursuit.
Although Hutchinson is expected to return to full strength following his injury, Knox emphasized the Lions still lack sufficient edge depth. Za’Darius Smith, acquired midseason last year, is now a free agent, and it’s unclear if he’ll re-sign with Detroit. Smith notched 4.0 sacks in 2024, second-most on the team—a figure that underscores the Lions’ need for more firepower on the edge.
“There’s no guarantee Detroit will land an elite pass-rusher with pick No. 28,” Knox noted. “If they miss out, a trade for Hendrickson early on Day 2 could be a smart fallback.”
Alternate Paths Still Open for Detroit
The Lions may also consider trading up in the first round to address their pass-rush needs. Lions Wire’s Russell Brown speculated that Detroit could strike a deal with the Atlanta Falcons to move up to the No. 15 spot—giving them access to higher-end edge prospects.
“If the Lions are eyeing a defensive end, candidates like Georgia’s Mykel Williams or Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart could be targets,” Brown wrote. “It’s unlikely either would fall to pick 28, so moving up might be Detroit’s best shot at landing a top-tier edge.”
Free agency is another route the Lions could explore. Veteran Von Miller, recently released by the Bills, is a possible addition. There’s also a chance Detroit brings back Za’Darius Smith for another run.
