The Detroit Lions have sought to locate an edge rushing partner for Aidan Hutchinson via the NFL draft, free agency, and trades, but have achieved only modest outcomes.
The Lions might make another attempt this year, as a report indicates they could trade some draft picks to acquire Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals. The action would address a significant offseason concern for the Lions, enhancing a pass rush that was severely impacted when Hutchinson faced a season-ending injury last year.
Lions Swap Day 2 Selections for Trey Hendrickson
Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report proposed that the Lions might acquire Hendrickson using two Day 2 draft selections, specifically their 2025 second-round pick (No. 60) and next year’s third-round pick. Although the cost would be quite steep, Knox theorized that it could require a substantial offer to persuade the Bengals to trade their standout edge rusher who is nearing the conclusion of his $60 million contract.
“The Bengals might not allow pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson to be traded, yet they should,” Knox stated. “Although the Colts appear to be a sensible destination for the current sacks leader if he’s on the market, the Detroit Lions should be keen to acquire him.”
Although Hutchinson is nearly fully healed from the broken leg that concluded his season last October, Knox remarked that the Lions still require additional assistance on the edge. Last year’s trade-deadline addition, Za’Darius Smith, is now a free agent after his contract ended, with uncertainty about a potential return to Detroit.
Smith recorded 4.0 sacks last season, finishing second on the Lions, Knox remarked, highlighting the evident necessity for additional depth at the edge.
“The Lions may not secure a premier pass-rushing talent with the 28th overall selection—while the B/R Scouting Department matched them with Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton in its three-round mock draft,” Knox noted. “If they don’t, targeting Hutchinson early on Day 2 would be a highly reasonable strategy.”
Lions Might Have Additional Choices
The Lions could explore other options to find a partner for Hutchinson, such as trading up in the first round of the NFL draft. Russell Brown from USA Today’s Lions Wire thinks the Lions might trade up to the No. 15 overall pick with the Atlanta Falcons, who are aiming to accumulate additional draft picks.
According to Brown, the Lions would have several choices to enhance their pass rush.
Regarding the Lions, I would presume they are likely to trade up for a defensive end. “That might be Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams or Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart,” Brown stated. “Any player might influence the Lions’ defensive line.” It’s challenging to imagine either player being accessible at the 28th pick, so moving up in the draft might be the only option for the Lions if they wish to secure ‘their guy.’
The Lions might explore additional choices in free agency, such as veteran Von Miller following his departure from the Buffalo Bills earlier this offseason. The team might also re-sign Smith for another season.