The Detroit Lions are riding high after a historic 2024 season, one that set a new standard for the franchise. With 15 wins under their belt, they secured their second consecutive NFC North division title and clinched the No. 1 seed for the NFC playoffs for the first time in team history. That’s a lot of momentum, but it came at a cost – injuries ravaged the team, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, as they approached the postseason with a depleted unit. The loss of star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson was a gut punch, and ultimately contributed to their elimination in the Divisional Round against the Washington Commanders.
With eyes set on the 2025 season, the Lions have already turned their attention to strengthening their defense to keep their championship aspirations alive. The team has made significant strides in free agency, highlighted by the signing of cornerback D.J. Reed from the New York Jets on a three-year, $48 million contract. This deal stands out, especially when compared to Carlton Davis III’s $60 million agreement with the New England Patriots, making it an astute move for Detroit.
In addition to Reed, the Lions bolstered their secondary by adding Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox, increasing depth in the cornerback room. Key re-signings like Derrick Barnes, Levi Onwuzurike, Dan Skipper, and Marcus Davenport bolster the roster, while defensive tackle Roy Lopez brings even more reinforcement to their front line. These acquisitions position the Lions well as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially allowing them to explore high-impact trades before the draft kicks off.
One intriguing possibility on the trade front is Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. This proposed trade could be a game-changer for Detroit’s defense.
In the proposed trade scenario, the Lions would send a 2025 second-round pick (the 60th overall) and a 2026 compensatory third-round pick to the Bengals in exchange for Hendrickson. Acquiring a top-tier edge rusher like Hendrickson is always a tall order, and Detroit would be relinquishing valuable draft assets for the opportunity.
It’s worth noting that Hendrickson had initially requested a trade during the 2024 season but later retracted that demand. He finished the year with the Bengals, but as of March 6, Cincinnati has given him the green light to test the trade waters, likely due to his desire for a contract that offers more guaranteed money. With impressive back-to-back seasons of 17.5 sacks, his case for a more lucrative deal is certainly compelling.
However, pursuing this trade isn’t without its challenges. The Lions would need to secure a contract extension with Hendrickson before finalizing any deal, complicating the process further. The Bengals, despite allowing him to seek a trade, have displayed a reluctance to part ways with the standout pass rusher. Their commitment to retaining key defensive players seems clear, especially after locking down long-term deals for offensive stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
While the proposed trade offers a fair exchange, Cincinnati’s high valuation of Hendrickson might drive the asking price above what Detroit is willing to pay, which is likely why a deal has yet to materialize.
If the Lions do manage to acquire Hendrickson, the impact on their defense would be substantial. Pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson could create one of the league’s most formidable pass-rushing duos. Opposing offensive coordinators would find themselves in a bind trying to scheme against the relentless pressure both players could generate, even when facing double-teams.
Even if Detroit lands Hendrickson, they might consider using their first-round draft pick on a young edge rusher. This would not only provide immediate impact but also foster long-term development within the defensive unit.
While the outcome of this potential trade remains uncertain, the chatter about Hendrickson possibly joining the Lions is certainly creating a buzz. Should Detroit strike this deal, we could witness a notable evolution in their defense as they aim for greater success in the 2025 season.
