TRADE COMPLETED: Lions Oust Justin Jefferson, Signs Pro Bowl Edge In Huge Free Agency Contract

However, if the NFL wanted to outdo the NBA offseason by pursuing a big multi-team trade, Detroit could be a team to consider.

Former NFL agent Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports proposed numerous wacky trade ideas, including a four-team deal that would be a double-whammy for Detroit.

Not only would the Lions gain a four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, but they would also eliminate Justin Jefferson from the NFC North.

The Lions sweeten a trade proposal that includes Trey Hendrickson, while the Vikings lose Justin Jefferson.

The Cincinnati Bengals signed new contracts with receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this summer, leaving Hendrickson out of extension talks.

Hendrickson, who had back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, missed minicamps in June and appears determined to stay in his position until his terms are met or he is dealt. That has made him a quiet trade chip in a potential mega-deal that would reunite Jefferson with former LSU teammates Joe Burrow and Chase.

To complete this trade, which would also include the Cleveland Browns, the Lions would act as a go-between, sending the Browns a fourth-round pick in exchange for Minnesota Vikings cornerback Greg Newsome. Minnesota would also get a third-round pick from Detroit.

Bengals receive: WR Justin Jefferson (Vikings, DE) Julian Okwara (browns)
Vikings acquire: WR Tee Higgins (Bengals), CB Greg Newsome II (Browns), 2026 first-round pick (Bengals), and 2026 third-round pick (Lions).
Lions receive: EDGE. Trey Hendrickson(Bengals)

The Browns acquire a fourth-round pick in 2026 from the Lions.

This may be the most bizarre of the lot, if only because Jefferson is as close to untouchable as anyone in the NFL. In the past, the Vikings have rightfully and quickly put an end to any and all rumors about the wideout’s trade availability, and “Jets” has followed suit.

However, he may be willing to relocate to Cincinnati in order to reunite with former LSU players Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Meanwhile, the Bengals have pricey trade assets in Higgins and Hendrickson, the latter of whom has been requesting a raise — or a relocation — for years.

Can you picture Burrow’s excitement if he had the opportunity to capitalize on a title window with the game’s two best pass catchers? And can you image Detroit’s delight if it can remove Hendrickson from the deal, combining the Pro Bowler with Aidan Hutchinson after failing to trade up for pass rush help this spring?