POLL: ESPN writer stokes the flames of Lions trading for All-Pro EDGE

Would you trade for Trey Hendrickson to boost Detroit’s pass rush and championship chances, or is the cost too steep in this hypothetical trade from ESPN?

Someone reset the counter: it’s officially been ‘0’ days since a national writer has mocked up a trade where the Detroit Lions acquire an edge rusher.

In a recent article from ESPN , NFL writer Ben Solak proposed the Lions acquire Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals in hopes of finally putting the finishing touches on Detroit’s pass rush and capitalizing on their championship window.

Proposed Trade Details:

• Lions receive: Trey Hendrickson, 2026 fifth-round pick
• Bengals receive: 2026 second-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick (conditional—could become a third-rounder)

Solak writes that while Lions general manager Brad Holmes “has acknowledged the fan base wants a secondary edge rusher far more than he does,” a player of Hendrickson’s caliber next to Aidan Hutchinson could change his tune.

“Hendrickson isn’t the sort of run defender the Lions might prioritize,” Solak notes, “yet a pass-rush duo of Aidan Hutchinson and Hendrickson might be the scariest in the NFL.”

There’s no question that Hendrickson, who has recorded 43.0 sacks over his past three seasons, would immediately elevate Detroit’s pass rush from the jump. Solak also notes that the Lions have plenty of salary cap space to offer Hendrickson an extension—something the veteran has been very vocal about during his past two offseasons. A deal in the range of three years, $90 million, could be enough to keep him in Detroit, according to Bengals beat writer Ben Baby.

Why the Trade Makes Sense for the Bengals

From the Bengals’ perspective, the proposed trade offers solid long-term value. Baby praised Solak’s proposal, calling it a “very good” deal for Cincinnati.

“Let’s say the Lions give Hendrickson a three-year deal worth $90 million. It is less than what the Texans gave Danielle Hunter… which would be a bargain for Detroit if Hendrickson continues his All-Pro form,” Baby said about the possible terms of an extension.

Another benefit of trading Hendrickson to an NFC team like Detroit is that it avoids strengthening a potential AFC playoff rival, and the future draft picks would give Cincinnati more roster flexibility as they look to build around Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins—all of whom are inked to massive contracts through 2028.

Should the Lions Trade for Trey Hendrickson?

While this is far from the first time we’ve heard of someone pairing an All-Pro edge rusher with Hutchinson, Hendrickson’s age and highly publicized contract dispute does give this rumor more legs than the Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby rumors of yesteryear. But with Detroit still needing to come to terms with more of their in-house players, this trade certainly comes with considerable opportunity cost.

Al Karsten, writer for Pride of Detroit, broke down the dominoes that would fall should the Lions make a move like this—and why he couldn’t see the Lions giving up that much draft capital in a deal for Hendrickson.

So we’ll put the question to you, Lions fans: