As we all know, the Lions desperately need pass rush help, and are looking to add someone opposite Aidan Hutchinson. The question is: who?
Myles Garrett has been the hot name, but recently, another All-Pro defensive end was made available. This time, it was Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals. Hendrickson has been granted the ability to seek a trade partner, meaning whichever team he goes to, will have to pay him. This is his second time to request a trade in 2 years. Last year he decided to back off. It doesn’t seem like that will happen again.
Trey was a First Team All-Pro last year, after leading the entire NFL in sacks and pressures, with 17.5 sacks and 83 pressures respectively. He also had 17.5 sacks in 2023, a year where he was a Pro Bowler. Hendrickson also brings something extra against the run, and would fit very well alongside Hutch and the others on the defensive line. Hendrickson had a PFF overall grade of 88.1 which ranked 8th, a pass rush grade of 90.4 which ranked 5th, and a run defense grade of 65.9, which ranked 67th. He is also entering his 30’s, and will want a pretty big deal. I don’t think that should deter us from making this deal.
With that being said, rumors are flying that it will only take a late 2nd to acquire him, which is perfect for the Lions. If I’m Holmes, I offer a 3rd this year and a 5th next and see where that takes us. Personally, Hendrickson is the only viable pass rush trade target for the Lions, as Garrett will command a new contract and multiple high end picks.
Hendrickson is due $18.6 million this season, but likely will not play on that contract. My guess is he gets a deal worth between $25-$30 million per year, which is steep. However, I think the Lions could structure it in a way that doesn’t kill our cap. We should sign Hendrickson to a restructured deal, 3 years worth $82.5 milion, or $27.5 million per year. If the Lions make his cap hit a bit higher this year, they can have more flexibility down the line. The Lions currently have between $50-$60 million in cap space, and they could open up another $10 million by cutting Graham Glasgow and Kalif Raymond. Essentially, you’re paying him an extra $10 million this season, to make him feel a little better, but really only giving him a 2 year extension. He would have $64 million worth of new money, which is pretty reasonable for an All-Pro defensive end. The real kicker here is the structure of the deal. If the Lions pony up and give him a large bonus, they can really bring that cap hit down, making the deal that much sweeter. On top of that, Hendrickson has familiarity with Campbell, as they overlapped while both were in New Orleans.
With that being said, in my opinion, the Lions should absolutely make this deal, even if it means giving up our 2nd round pick this year. Hendrickson would be a great fit here, and given you don’t have to break the bank, it’s an easy choice. It’s not normal to be able to get an All-Pro sacks leader pass rusher for just a 2nd round pick. Brad, make it happen.
If you enjoyed this, subscribe so you don’t miss an article. Follow me on X @JaceOSweet. It would also be a huge help if you could donate to our cause. Just scroll down, and you will see a ‘donate’ button. You can donate as little as 50 cents! Thank you in advance.