A top defensive end in the NFL is still available for teams like the Detroit Lions to potentially acquire through a trade.
In a recent NFL mailbag, Sports Illustrated NFL reporter Albert Breer addressed two questions from Lions fans regarding the chance to acquire Cincinnati Bengals standout pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The asking price remains steep, with the Bengals reportedly seeking at least a second-round pick for the NFL’s 2024 sack leader.
Breer commented, “I think it’s possible. The Bengals are asking for at least a second-round pick for him, which is a lot to ask for a 31-year-old pass rusher, even one as talented as he is. They’d also have to pay him over $30 million annually while giving up that level of draft capital. The Lions are picking toward the end of the round, so they might find it easier to part with the pick, but I’d question how it would affect negotiations with Aidan Hutchinson.”
Another fan asked about Detroit’s search for an edge player.
The Lions signed Marcus Davenport to a one-year deal and re-signed Levi Onwuzurike. The release of Za’Darius Smith wasn’t a surprise, but there’s still hope he could return on a more affordable contract.
With a deep defensive line draft class, general manager Brad Holmes may look to select a younger, more affordable prospect to bolster the defensive line.
Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph are expected to receive significant long-term contract extensions this offseason. Given the team’s focus on retaining its own players, adding someone like Hendrickson could be too expensive, especially with the upcoming decision on Jameson Williams.
Hendrickson could command a salary over $35 million, following Myles Garrett’s recent extension with the Browns, which pays him $40 million annually.
Breer added, “The release of Za’Darius Smith seems to hint at something happening at the position, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be through free agency or trade. This year’s draft class is incredibly deep in edge players, so the Lions could use both the 28th and 60th picks on defensive linemen, potentially making a smart move down the road. It’s interesting to imagine someone like Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. on this roster.”
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