The Detroit Lions had an unforgettable 2024 season, arguably their best in franchise history. Detroit secured 15 wins, claimed back-to-back NFC North titles, and earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time ever.
Now, the Lions must rebuild their weakened defense to push for another deep playoff run in 2025.
Detroit made a strong start in free agency, signing cornerback DJ Reed from the Jets on a three-year, $48 million contract—a bargain compared to Carlton Davis III’s $60 million deal with New England.
The Lions bolstered their secondary by signing Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox while also adding depth on both sides of the ball. They retained Derrick Barnes, Levi Onwuzurike, Dan Skipper, and Marcus Davenport while bringing in Roy Lopez.
With solid depth moves complete, the Lions now have the flexibility to utilize their draft capital in multiple ways.
However, Detroit could also pursue a trade to strengthen their roster ahead of the draft. A key acquisition could transform their defense into an elite unit.
Landing a high-caliber edge rusher is never easy, requiring significant trade capital. That’s why Detroit must offer a substantial package to acquire Hendrickson.
The Bengals pass rusher requested a trade during the 2024 season before reversing course and finishing the year in Cincinnati. However, he has now reopened discussions about leaving.
Cincinnati granted Hendrickson permission to explore trade options on March 6. His primary demand is a new contract with more guaranteed money, a fair ask for a player with consecutive 17.5-sack seasons.
But this trade isn’t as simple as making an offer.
First, the Lions must negotiate an extension with Hendrickson before finalizing any deal. That alone makes this move complicated.
Additionally, despite allowing trade talks, the Bengals appear hesitant to actually move Hendrickson. Reports indicate Cincinnati wants to retain him even after extending Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Given the Bengals’ stance, the real asking price for Hendrickson could exceed a first-round pick. That’s a major reason why he remains untraded.
Still, if Detroit pulled off this deal, their defense would be drastically improved.
Pairing Hendrickson with Aidan Hutchinson would make life miserable for opposing offensive coordinators. Both defenders have thrived despite frequent double-teams, and together, they would create relentless pressure.
Detroit could still draft a young pass rusher in the first round to prepare for the future while using Hendrickson to contend immediately.
While this trade may be a long shot, it would undoubtedly make the Lions’ defense one of the most dangerous in the league.