According to an insider, the Lions could still sign Trey Hendrickson
Introduction
Trey Hendrickson, a key defensive player for the Cincinnati Bengals, has garnered attention over the last few seasons for his elite pass-rushing ability. His strong performance in recent years, including standout seasons with double-digit sacks, has earned him a reputation as one of the top edge rushers in the NFL. The Detroit Lions, who have been building a competitive roster, have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Hendrickson, according to an insider source.
This scenario raises important questions: What would it mean for the Lions to add Hendrickson to their defense? What are the potential roadblocks to such a move? And how would Hendrickson’s presence impact the Lions’ Super Bowl aspirations?
This piece will dive into the factors that could make this move possible, considering Hendrickson’s career trajectory, the Lions’ needs, the salary cap situation, and how the team might benefit from such a signing.
Trey Hendrickson’s Career Overview
Trey Hendrickson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Over his first few years with the Saints, Hendrickson established himself as a promising player in the defensive line rotation, though he was never a starter for the majority of his early years. It wasn’t until 2020 that Hendrickson truly broke out.
In 2020, Hendrickson posted an impressive 13.5 sacks and 25 quarterback hits, quickly establishing himself as one of the top pass rushers in the league. His ability to get after the quarterback and disrupt the pocket was evident, and it didn’t go unnoticed by the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2021, Hendrickson signed a lucrative four-year deal with the Bengals worth $60 million, a deal that solidified him as a cornerstone of their defense.
Since joining the Bengals, Hendrickson has continued his high-level play. Over the last three seasons, he has been one of the most consistent edge rushers in the league, earning Pro Bowl selections and proving to be an integral part of Cincinnati’s defense. His ability to pressure the quarterback has been a key factor in the Bengals’ defensive success, particularly during their deep playoff runs.
At this stage of his career, Hendrickson is in the prime of his playing years. His combination of speed, power, and technique makes him a dangerous player on the edge, and his leadership and experience would be a welcome addition to any team looking to bolster its pass rush.
The Detroit Lions’ Current State
The Detroit Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, have experienced a resurgence in recent seasons. After years of struggling through mediocrity and missing the playoffs, the Lions are starting to look like a legitimate contender in the NFC. The team’s young core, including standout players like Aidan Hutchinson, Jared Goff, and Jameson Williams, has given Lions fans hope that the team can return to the postseason and potentially challenge for a Super Bowl.
However, despite the progress made in recent years, there are still areas where the Lions could use improvement, particularly on defense. While they made strides in 2022 and 2023, the Lions’ defensive unit has been inconsistent. One area in particular where they could benefit from improvement is in the pass rush.
The Lions’ defensive line has a budding star in Aidan Hutchinson, who emerged as one of the NFL’s best pass rushers in his rookie year. Hutchinson’s development is crucial to the Lions’ defensive identity, but the team has lacked a consistent partner opposite him to help generate pressure. While players like James Houston have shown promise, the Lions could still use a proven, high-level pass rusher to pair with Hutchinson and take the defense to the next level.
Why Trey Hendrickson Could Be a Perfect Fit
1. Addressing the Pass Rush
Trey Hendrickson’s skills as an edge rusher are exactly what the Lions need to complement Aidan Hutchinson. The addition of a player like Hendrickson would allow the Lions to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, something they’ve lacked in recent seasons. Having two elite pass rushers—Hendrickson and Hutchinson—would make life difficult for opposing offensive lines, forcing them to pick their poison when it comes to blocking the edge.
2. Leadership and Experience
Hendrickson’s leadership would be invaluable to the Lions’ defensive line. As a player who has been through the rigors of playoff football with the Bengals, Hendrickson brings a level of maturity and experience that could be beneficial to the Lions’ young defensive core. His knowledge of high-level competition and his ability to mentor younger players could help elevate the Lions’ defense.
3. Versatility in the Defensive Scheme
Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have shown a willingness to be versatile with their defensive schemes. Hendrickson is known for his ability to rush from different spots on the line, including standing up as an outside linebacker or lining up as a traditional defensive end. This flexibility would fit well within the Lions’ defensive playbook, giving Glenn multiple ways to utilize Hendrickson’s skills.
4. Helping the Lions Compete in the NFC
The NFC, particularly the NFC North, is becoming more competitive each season. While the Lions are trending upward, they still face challenges from teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. The addition of a player like Hendrickson would give the Lions an edge in the pass rush department, which is a critical element in any team’s pursuit of a playoff spot and, ultimately, a Super Bowl title.
5. The Super Bowl Window
The Lions have made significant strides toward becoming a Super Bowl contender. Adding a player of Hendrickson’s caliber could be the final piece of the puzzle that propels them into true championship contention. Hendrickson’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses and generate consistent pressure would make the Lions’ defense a formidable force, complementing their already potent offense led by Jared Goff.
The Financial Aspect: Can the Lions Afford Trey Hendrickson?
While the fit between Hendrickson and the Lions may seem ideal, the financial aspect of the move cannot be overlooked. Hendrickson signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Bengals in 2021, and he is still under contract with the team. For the Lions to acquire Hendrickson, they would need to find a way to either trade for him or lure him in free agency.
1. Trade Scenario
If the Lions are to acquire Hendrickson via trade, they would likely need to send compensation in the form of draft picks or players. However, this would require the Bengals to be willing to part with a key asset, and it is unclear whether they would be open to such a move. Furthermore, the salary cap implications of trading for a high-priced player like Hendrickson would require careful maneuvering.
2. Salary Cap Space
The Lions have some flexibility in their salary cap, but they are not in a position where they can afford to make a massive financial commitment without affecting other areas of the roster. The team would need to create cap space through cuts or restructures to sign Hendrickson to a lucrative deal. This could involve restructuring the contracts of key players like Jared Goff or DeAndre Swift to free up the necessary space.
Potential Roadblocks
While the Lions’ interest in Hendrickson is understandable, there are potential obstacles to signing him. First, the Bengals may be unwilling to trade him, as he remains a cornerstone of their defense. Additionally, the Lions would face competition from other teams who could be interested in acquiring Hendrickson’s services, making the market for his talents more competitive.
Another consideration is Hendrickson’s contract. His current deal with the Bengals, while lucrative, might still leave some room for restructuring or negotiation if he were to move to another team. However, his contract demands could pose a challenge for a Lions team that already has financial constraints.
The prospect of the Detroit Lions signing Trey Hendrickson is intriguing. Hendrickson would fill an immediate need for a top-tier pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson, and his leadership and experience would benefit the team both on and off the field. However, the financial and logistical aspects of such a move could prove challenging, particularly given Hendrickson’s current contract with the Bengals and the potential cost of acquiring him.
Ultimately, while it may be a long shot for the Lions to secure Hendrickson’s services, the idea of pairing him with Hutchinson is a tantalizing one. If the Lions can find a way to make it work financially, adding a proven pass rusher like Hendrickson could be the key to taking their defense—and their Super Bowl aspirations—to the next level.