The Detroit Lions do not simply want to win the NFC North in 2025; they want to win it all. After a 15-2 regular season that culminated in a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, Detroit is staring at a golden Super Bowl opportunity—and, according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, one daring move might propel them to the top.
Trade for Trey Hendrickson.
The Missing Piece Across from Hutchinson
Let’s be honest: Aidan Hutchinson is a beast. What happens after him? The Lions do not have another legitimate starting-caliber edge rusher.
Knox believes the Lions should go big and sign one of the most consistent sack creators in the NFL, Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
“Hendrickson should shoot toward the top of most teams’ trade boards,” according to Knox. “Teams that should already be interested in adding him include the Detroit Lions, who still need a No. 2 pass-rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson.”
Hendrickson, 30, is coming off consecutive 17.5-sack seasons. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers, with no signs of slowing down.
What Would It Cost Detroit?
Pulling this off would be costly.
Detroit would have to give up valuable draft capital, perhaps including a second-round selection and change. Furthermore, Hendrickson would prefer a new contract, perhaps at more than $30 million per year.
But what about a team in a wide-open Super Bowl window, with cap space and a loaded roster? This makes a lot of sense.
Hendrickson and Hutchinson would quickly become one of football’s best edge duos, a terror for opposing quarterbacks and an ideal combination for Kelvin Sheppard’s aggressive defense.
The Bottom Line
Trey Hendrickson is more than simply a pleasure to have. He’s the type of move that may sway the NFC.
The Lions are built to win now. And, while Brad Holmes has been cautious not to overextend the organization, the stars are aligned: a veteran-laden squad, a healthy quarterback in Jared Goff, a physical identity, and genuine momentum.
If the Bengals refuse to pay Hendrickson, the Lions should call him right now. A big deal like this may be the move that propels Detroit to the Super Bowl for the first time ever.
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