The Detroit Lions could also be an elite pass-rusher away from profitable their first Tremendous Bowl. Now that one is on the buying and selling block, the group ought to seize that chance.
On Sunday, NFL Media insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported the Cincinnati Bengals are actually listening to commerce provides for EDGE Trey Hendrickson, coming into the ultimate 12 months of his contract. The reported sticking level in negotiations with the 30-year-old pass-rusher has been guaranteed money.
The Lions could possibly be a wonderful vacation spot for Hendrickson. They’ve loads of cap area and would give the four-time Professional Bowler an opportunity to win his first Tremendous Bowl.
Spotrac estimates that the Lions have $51.625M in cap area, the second most within the NFL behind the New England Patriots. Final season, Detroit went 15-2, essentially the most regular-season wins in franchise historical past.
The Lions will surely need to sacrifice invaluable draft capital to amass Hendrickson. Nonetheless, Detroit is in win-now mode after capturing two consecutive NFC North titles.
Extra importantly, Hendrickson — who led the league in sacks (17.5 in 17 video games) in 2024 — might assist the Lions resolve their pass-rush issues.
Throughout a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders within the NFC divisional spherical final season, the Lions had zero zacks. Detroit’s lack of ability to generate stress allowed Commanders QB Jayden Daniels to dismantle its defense. He completed 22-of-31 passing for 299 yards and two touchdowns.
Lions EDGE Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending left tibia/fibula fracture in a Week 6 road win over the Dallas Cowboys final season. He is wholesome now.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has created a particular “Hutch Rule” throughout camp. The EDGE has been beating his man a lot that Detroit would not blow the whistle on his would-be sacks in order that the offense can get sufficient reps.
Whereas Hutchinson is recapturing his elite kind, that should not stop the Lions from pursuing Hendrickson. They may immediately have one of many league’s prime pass-rushing tandems in the event that they acquired the Bengals star, bolstering their championship possibilities.
