Lions Predicted to Fill Glaring Need By Trading For Havoc-Wreaking All-Pro

The Detroit Lions are riding the highest wave in franchise history. They shattered records with 15 wins in 2024-25, building on their breakthrough 2023 campaign that saw them reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991. But their championship dreams ended abruptly when they fell in their first playoff game despite earning the NFC’s top seed.

Now the Lions face a familiar challenge: how do you turn regular-season dominance into postseason glory? The answer might come through a blockbuster trade for one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers.

Could Detroit Land Trey Hendrickson in a Blockbuster Trade?

Trey Hendrickson has terrorized opposing quarterbacks since joining the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. His numbers tell the story of elite production: 65 games, 57.0 sacks, 112 quarterback hits, and eight forced fumbles. The pass rusher has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his four seasons with Cincinnati.

However, it was his 2024-25 campaign that truly elevated Hendrickson to elite status. He led the league with 17.5 sacks, earning first-team All-Pro honors and finishing as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. This marked his second consecutive season with 17.5 sacks, placing him among the NFL’s most consistent edge rushers.

Despite his dominant performance, Hendrickson remains without a new contract. Only Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett and Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt have recorded more sacks over the past four years, yet Hendrickson has not practiced with the team this offseason.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes the Lions could make a move for the All-Pro edge rusher, writing:

“Lions Get: Edge Trey Hendrickson Bengals Get: 2026 2nd-round pick, 2027 4th-round pick Edge-defender Trey Hendrickson has spent most of the offseason trying to get either a new contract or a trade out of the Cincinnati Bengals. He has received neither, and while he did end his holdout and report to camp, the reigning sacks leader remains unhappy.”

Why Do the Lions Need Hendrickson’s Pass Rush?

Detroit’s championship window might be closing faster than expected if they can’t solve their pass rush problems. The Lions managed just 37 sacks in 2024-25, tied for the ninth-fewest in the NFL. This glaring weakness became even more pronounced when Aidan Hutchinson played in just five games and finished with 7.5 sacks as the leading pass rusher.

Knox explained the fit perfectly: “Detroit has needed a quality pass-rushing complement to Aidan Hutchinson since the start of last season and didn’t address that need in free agency or the draft… Hendrickson and Hutchinson would give the Lions a championship-caliber pass-rushing duo. This hypothetical trade would give Cincinnati a fair return while sending Hendrickson outside of the conference.”

The timing could work in Detroit’s favor. Fox’s Jeremy Rauch shared Hendrickson’s comments on the stalled negotiations, tweeting:

“Things are exactly the same (with contract talks). What I’m not going to do is be a distraction.” Trey Hendrickson spoke at length with us just now. Here’s 2+ minutes. #Bengals @FOX19 Also added both sides have a common goal for a new deal. Just about details.”

“Things are exactly the same (with contract talks). What I’m not going to do is be a distraction.”

Trey Hendrickson spoke at length with us just now. Here’s 2+ minutes. #Bengals @FOX19

Also added both sides have a common goal for a new deal. Just about details. pic.twitter.com/FwuGyLkPkr

— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) July 30, 2025

What Would Hendrickson Mean for Detroit’s Championship Hopes?

Adding Hendrickson would transform Detroit’s most significant weakness into a formidable strength. Despite their pass rush struggles, the Lions finished 15-2 and ranked fifth in PFSN’s Defense+ metric. Imagine what they could accomplish with a healthy Hutchinson alongside a proven sack artist like Hendrickson.

The Lions are hoping that a clean bill of health will allow them to get over the championship hump. After battling numerous injuries in 2024-25, getting their defensive reinforcements back could be the difference between another early playoff exit and their first Super Bowl appearance.

A Hutchinson-Hendrickson duo would give Detroit the kind of elite pass rush that championship teams need. With both players healthy and motivated, the Lions could finally solve the puzzle that has kept them from reaching the mountaintop of professional football.