“Lions Urged to Pull Off BLOCKBUSTER Trade for Star Pass Rusher Trey Hendrickson to Supercharge Defense”

As the Detroit Lions eye the 2025 NFL season with championship aspirations, one bold suggestion has captivated both fans and analysts alike: trade for Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. A move that would signal Detroit’s transition from playoff contender to Super Bowl threat, the idea of acquiring Hendrickson is more than just internet chatter—it’s being pushed by high-profile insiders who see the Lions as one elite pass rusher away from completing their roster.

With a top-five offense and a surging defense under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the Lions have few glaring needs. But their pass rush, while promising, still lacks the elite, consistent dominance that players like Hendrickson provide. Following Hendrickson’s recent trade request out of Cincinnati, analysts have begun to circle the Lions as the perfect landing spot. If Detroit wants to go all-in, this is their moment.

Trey Hendrickson, who turns 30 this season, has been one of the NFL’s most consistent and disruptive edge defenders since breaking out with the New Orleans Saints in 2020. After signing a four-year, $60 million deal with the Bengals in 2021, Hendrickson quickly proved his value. He posted 14 sacks in 2021, 8 in 2022 (despite injury), and bounced back with 17.5 sacks in 2023—a career-high that placed him among the NFL’s elite.

What separates Hendrickson is his motor, technique, and ability to win one-on-one battles without relying heavily on scheme. In today’s NFL, where quarterbacks get the ball out quicker than ever, having someone who can consistently collapse the pocket is a rare asset. Add in his leadership and postseason experience, and it’s easy to see why Detroit is being encouraged to act aggressively.

The Lions are no longer building for the future—they’re contending now. After reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2024, Detroit’s front office doubled down by retaining key players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell while adding depth through the draft and free agency. But there’s one piece missing: a true pass-rushing counterpart to rising star Aidan Hutchinson.

The Lions recorded 41 sacks in 2024—good, but not elite. Much of that production came from Hutchinson and the interior line. Adding Hendrickson would give Detroit one of the best edge duos in the NFL and strike fear into opposing quarterbacks.

Reports surfaced in April 2025 that Hendrickson requested a trade from the Bengals after contract negotiations stalled. Despite being under contract through 2025, Hendrickson is reportedly unhappy with his deal’s structure and the Bengals’ unwillingness to guarantee future years. While Cincinnati extended him last offseason, Hendrickson and his agent are seeking a more favorable long-term commitment or a new team willing to provide one.

It’s rare for a player of Hendrickson’s caliber to be available via trade, especially ahead of training camp. His availability is a unique opportunity that Detroit could capitalize on—especially given their available cap space and draft capital.

Acquiring Hendrickson won’t be cheap, but the price is more manageable than many would assume. Given his age and the fact that he wants a new deal, some league insiders speculate that a second-round pick and a late-round sweetener could be enough to seal the deal.

The Lions hold multiple future Day 2 picks and could explore creative trade packages. One potential scenario: the Lions send a 2026 second-round pick and a conditional fourth-rounder (based on playing time or sack production) to Cincinnati. If necessary, a young rotational defensive player could be included to close the gap.

Considering Detroit’s championship window and relatively young roster, giving up a second-round pick for an elite pass rusher might be a small price to pay.

NFL analyst and former GM Mike Tannenbaum recently said on ESPN, “If I’m Brad Holmes, I’m calling the Bengals every day. Hendrickson is a culture fit, he fills a need, and he’s a move that says, ‘We’re going for it.’ The Lions are ready. They’re no longer rebuilding. This is their window.”

On The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Fox Sports’ Bucky Brooks echoed the sentiment: “Trey Hendrickson to Detroit makes all the sense in the world. He’s a high-character guy, plays hard, and would thrive in that system. If the Lions want to take down San Francisco or Philadelphia, this is how you do it.”

Even Lions legends are weighing in. Chris Spielman, who currently serves in Detroit’s front office in an advisory role, didn’t comment directly on Hendrickson but said earlier this month: “We know what we need to do to get over the hump. This team’s close, and the fans should know we’re not settling.”

Aidan Hutchinson is coming off a breakout sophomore season and is expected to lead Detroit’s defense for years. But he’s often double-teamed, and teams chip him with tight ends or backs to neutralize his impact. Bringing in Hendrickson would force opposing offenses to choose: double Hutchinson or risk letting Hendrickson beat single blocks.

The ripple effect could be massive. Interior linemen like Alim McNeill and Brodric Martin would see more one-on-one opportunities. Linebackers would have clearer paths to blitz. Coverage would improve with more hurried throws. In short: the whole defense gets better.

The Lions are in a healthy cap situation. After extending core pieces earlier this offseason, they still have enough flexibility to absorb Hendrickson’s 2025 cap hit, which currently sits under $17 million. If they were to acquire him, they could immediately restructure his deal to create more cap room and provide him the guaranteed security he desires.

Detroit has been careful with contracts under GM Brad Holmes, but they’ve also shown a willingness to pay stars when the time is right. If the Lions believe Hendrickson is the missing piece, they’ll find a way to make the money work.

Pulling off a trade for Hendrickson would also send a powerful message to the team: we’re going for it. For young players who’ve been through the rebuild—like Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, and Kerby Joseph—this kind of move demonstrates that the front office is all-in. That motivation and belief can carry over into the season and galvanize a group that already plays with a chip on its shoulder.

The NFC is wide open beyond a few elite teams. The Eagles and 49ers remain formidable, but both have aging cores and cap challenges. The Cowboys are retooling. The Packers are rising but unproven. The Lions are right there—arguably the second-best team in the conference right now. Adding Hendrickson could make them the favorite.

Detroit’s schedule includes several high-profile matchups, including games against the Bills, Cowboys, and 49ers. In those contests, having an elite edge rusher could be the difference between home-field advantage and another road trip in the playoffs.

Lions fans, long used to heartbreak and mediocrity, are now dreaming big. Social media exploded with speculation after Hendrickson’s trade request, with many fans urging Holmes to make the call.

One fan tweeted: “This is the move we’ve been waiting for. Go get Hendrickson. No excuses.”

Another wrote: “Pair him with Hutch and let them eat. The NFC isn’t ready.”

The Lions haven’t had this much momentum since the Barry Sanders era. A trade for Hendrickson would only increase the buzz around a franchise that finally feels like it’s turning the corner.

No trade is without risk. Hendrickson will want a new deal, and at age 30, some wonder how long he can keep up his elite production. There’s also the challenge of integrating him into a new scheme quickly.

But the Lions’ coaching staff has excelled at maximizing player strengths. Dan Campbell’s culture is built on trust, effort, and grit—qualities Hendrickson embodies. If there’s a place he’d thrive, it’s Detroit.

This is the type of bold, calculated swing great teams make when they’re on the cusp of greatness. The Lions have built something special, and adding Trey Hendrickson could be the move that puts them over the top.

For decades, Detroit has been searching for an identity—a reason for national respect. In 2025, the Lions aren’t just respected; they’re feared. But to take the final step, they might need one more playmaker in the trenches.