Trey Hendrickson Linked With Detroit Lions as Injuries Force Team to Explore Pass-Rush Options
The Detroit Lions have suddenly found themselves searching for help on the edge — and one of the NFL’s premier defenders may have just hinted he’s open to answering the call.
With injuries piling up across their defensive front, the Lions’ front office is quietly evaluating trade possibilities ahead of the deadline. Their once-deep defensive end rotation has been hit hard: Marcus Davenport remains on injured reserve with a chest problem, Levi Onwuzurike is still on the PUP list recovering from last season’s ACL tear, and rookie Ahmed Hassanein was recently released with an injury settlement. On top of that, Josh Paschal’s ongoing fitness issues have left Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad as Detroit’s only established edge rushers.
As a result, the Lions’ pass rush has suffered. According to Pro Football Focus, Detroit ranks just 18th in the NFL in pass-rush efficiency, averaging only 1.8 sacks per game — with their defensive ends producing just one sack during the preseason.
That’s why Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals has quickly become an ideal trade target. The 29-year-old four-time Pro Bowler led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, earning First-Team All-Pro honors, the Deacon Jones Award, and posting a career-best 87.0 PFF grade before sitting out Week 7 due to a hip injury.
Addressing trade rumors earlier this week, Hendrickson made his stance clear.
“I’ve always had deep love for Cincinnati — but let’s be honest, loyalty alone doesn’t win Super Bowls,” he said. “If Detroit calls, that’s not just another team… that’s a defense built for domination.”
For Detroit, the potential partnership seems like a perfect fit. Hendrickson’s explosive speed and tireless motor off the edge would perfectly complement Aidan Hutchinson, potentially forming one of the most dangerous pass-rushing tandems in the NFC.
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