Grading the Most Recent Trade Proposal for Trey Hendrickson of the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are one of the NFL’s most dynamic teams in recent years, having successfully reestablished themselves as contenders under head coach Dan Campbell. With the 2023 season officially behind them, the Lions’ focus is now shifting to building a roster capable of competing for a deep playoff run, and potentially even a Super Bowl appearance in the near future. One position that continues to stand out as a priority is the defensive line, where Detroit has been in search of a consistent pass rusher to complement their improving defense. As a result, rumors have been swirling around potential trade targets, and one player whose name has been linked to the Lions is Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hendrickson, 28, has been a standout pass rusher for the Bengals since arriving from the New Orleans Saints in 2021. Over the past two seasons, Hendrickson has accumulated 25.5 sacks and 59 quarterback hits, solidifying his place as one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL. His ability to disrupt the pocket and get after the quarterback has made him one of the top defensive players in the league. However, with the Bengals facing salary cap challenges in 2024, Hendrickson’s name has come up in trade discussions, and the Detroit Lions are reportedly one of the teams interested in acquiring him.

A proposed trade for Hendrickson would see the Lions sending a mix of draft picks and possibly a player in exchange for the Pro Bowl pass rusher. On the surface, this trade makes a great deal of sense for both teams, but as with any trade proposal, it’s important to carefully evaluate the potential pros and cons. In this article, we’ll break down the details of this trade proposal, analyzing the implications for both the Lions and the Bengals, and offering a grading assessment of the trade for Detroit.

The Need for an Elite Pass Rusher

The Detroit Lions have made significant strides in their rebuilding process over the past few seasons, and one area where they’ve made tremendous progress is on offense. With Jared Goff playing at a high level and the addition of playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions’ offense is well-equipped to score points in bunches. However, defensively, the Lions have faced some challenges in generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While players like Aidan Hutchinson, who finished his rookie season with 9.5 sacks, have shown promise, Detroit still lacks a consistent pass rusher who can change the course of a game.

Hendrickson’s presence on the defensive line would be a game-changer for the Lions. His ability to create pressure, not only through sheer athleticism but also with his technical prowess and relentless motor, would complement Hutchinson’s skill set perfectly. Hutchinson and Hendrickson would form one of the most dangerous edge-rushing duos in the NFL, making life miserable for quarterbacks across the league.

Additionally, the Lions’ defense struggled in critical moments during the 2023 season, particularly in key late-game situations. A player like Hendrickson, who can force turnovers, disrupt passing lanes, and pressure quarterbacks into making mistakes, would help elevate the defense and make the Lions much more formidable in the postseason. As Detroit prepares for the 2024 season, adding Hendrickson would give them a legitimate shot at competing for a playoff berth and beyond.

The Bengals’ Perspective: Why They Might Trade Hendrickson

For the Cincinnati Bengals, trading Trey Hendrickson would be a tough decision, but it’s one that may make sense in light of the team’s financial situation. The Bengals are already dealing with significant salary cap challenges, especially with quarterback Joe Burrow’s contract extension looming. With the NFL salary cap set to increase, the Bengals are going to need flexibility in their financials to ensure they can retain their core players, including Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.

Hendrickson is due to earn $10 million in 2024, and the Bengals could save a considerable amount of cap space by trading him. While Hendrickson is still playing at a high level and is a key contributor to the defense, the Bengals may decide that the financial flexibility gained from trading him would allow them to improve other areas of the roster. They could use the draft capital acquired in the trade to add young talent, whether that be on the offensive line or in the secondary, two areas that the Bengals need to bolster in order to continue their championship window.

Additionally, with Cincinnati already having a solid pass-rushing duo in Sam Hubbard and Joseph Ossai, the team may feel they can afford to move on from Hendrickson. While his loss would undoubtedly create a hole in the defense, the Bengals may prefer to explore other avenues to strengthen their team while managing their cap situation.

The Proposed Trade: What Detroit Would Give Up

The details of the proposed trade for Hendrickson would likely involve Detroit sending a mix of draft picks and possibly a player to Cincinnati. This is where things get a bit tricky. While Hendrickson is an elite pass rusher, he is also a player entering his age-29 season. His value is certainly high, but the Lions would need to carefully weigh whether the cost of acquiring him is worth it, especially in terms of long-term asset management.

A trade for Hendrickson could involve the Lions sending a second- or third-round pick in the upcoming draft, along with a player like defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike or cornerback Jeff Okudah, both of whom are young players with potential but may not have fully lived up to expectations in Detroit. This trade would make sense for the Lions if they believe Hendrickson’s impact would immediately elevate the defense and push them into Super Bowl contention.

From the Bengals’ perspective, acquiring a high draft pick would allow them to strengthen areas of need, while adding a young player with potential to replace Hendrickson in the rotation could also help them stay competitive in the future.

Grading the Trade Proposal for the Detroit Lions

Given the context and the potential benefits of adding Hendrickson to their defensive line, this trade proposal could be a very smart move for the Detroit Lions. The Lions have made significant improvements under head coach Dan Campbell, and the team is now looking to take the next step into true playoff contention. Hendrickson’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and his leadership in the locker room would make him a key asset in the Lions’ push for a championship.

The risk for Detroit, of course, is the cost of the trade. Trading away draft picks and a potential contributor in exchange for a player who may only have a few more years at the peak of his career could be a tough decision, especially when factoring in the long-term needs of the roster. However, the Lions are in a position where they can afford to go all-in for a Super Bowl, and adding Hendrickson would give them one of the top pass-rushing tandems in the NFL.

On the other hand, if Detroit were to send away too many valuable assets, it could hurt their depth in future years. The Lions must make sure they are not sacrificing too much of their future for short-term gains, even with the added value Hendrickson could provide immediately.

Ultimately, this trade would be a solid move for the Lions, assuming they can strike a fair deal that doesn’t gut their future assets. Grading this trade proposal a B+ is fair, as it addresses an immediate need without completely mortgaging the future. Hendrickson’s impact on the defense could push the Lions into true contender status, but they must be careful not to lose sight of their long-term goals in the process.

Conclusion

As the Detroit Lions continue to make strides toward becoming one of the top teams in the NFC, adding an elite pass rusher like Trey Hendrickson would be a huge step in the right direction. The trade proposal makes sense in terms of short-term improvement, but the Lions must weigh the long-term ramifications of parting with valuable assets. The move could be the final piece to a championship-caliber defense, and with Dan Campbell at the helm, the Lions will undoubtedly continue to be a team to watch as they move forward.