Lions Weigh Trey Hendrickson Trade Amid Hutchinson Contract Concerns

Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals' leading pass rusher in 2024, is currently embroiled in a contract dispute and has requested a trade, sparking speculation about potential suitors like the Detroit Lions. Despite the Lions' need for an edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, experts like Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer caution that acquiring Hendrickson would be financially challenging, as his expected contract of around $40 million annually would set a high salary floor that could complicate Hutchinson's impending megadeal extension. The Lions have significant cap space but must consider future extensions for stars like Hutchinson, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs, making the investment in two high-priced edge rushers potentially untenable. Hendrickson has expressed frustration with the Bengals' handling of his contract and has stated he will not play under his current terms, heightening the urgency of a resolution. While the Lions might still add pass-rushing talent via free agency or other means, a trade for Hendrickson remains unlikely unless the Bengals lower their asking price or circumstances change. Additionally, other teams like the Green Bay Packers, who have yet to significantly improve their pass rush, might emerge as potential trade partners for Hendrickson.