Trey Hendrickson: A New Big Name on the DE Trade Market – And There’s a Detroit Lions Connection

In the NFL, the trade market often provides teams with opportunities to bolster their rosters, secure missing pieces, or move on from players who no longer fit into their plans. For several teams across the league, these trades are crucial to success in an ever-competitive environment. This year, one name on the trade market is beginning to draw attention, and that player is none other than Trey Hendrickson, a highly productive defensive end (DE) with a proven track record of success in the NFL.

Hendrickson, currently with the Cincinnati Bengals, has become a standout defensive force in the league over the past few seasons. His ability to rush the passer, disrupt offenses, and help lead his team to competitive heights has earned him respect across the NFL. As the trade deadline looms and the Cincinnati Bengals look to their future, Hendrickson’s name has been floated in trade rumors, drawing interest from several teams, including the Detroit Lions.

This article will delve into Hendrickson’s career, his impact on the Bengals, and why he could be a game-changer for the Detroit Lions, exploring both the potential trade and the connection between Hendrickson and Detroit’s defensive needs.

Trey Hendrickson’s Rise to Prominence

Trey Hendrickson’s rise to prominence has been a testament to both his relentless work ethic and his natural ability. Born on November 4, 1994, in Miami, Florida, Hendrickson played college football at Florida Atlantic University, where he quickly made a name for himself as a disruptive force on the defensive line. In his senior season, he recorded 9.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to get to the quarterback. This level of performance earned him an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, and he eventually became a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.

During his first few years with the Saints, Hendrickson was primarily a rotational player, learning behind established stars like Cameron Jordan. However, it didn’t take long for Hendrickson to carve out a role for himself, especially in terms of pass rush. In 2020, he broke out with 13.5 sacks, putting the league on notice and securing a lucrative free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021.

Since joining the Bengals, Hendrickson has continued to improve his game. In his first season in Cincinnati, he posted 14 sacks, proving that his success in New Orleans wasn’t a fluke. His pass-rushing ability, combined with his ability to play the run effectively, made him one of the top defensive ends in the NFL.

Despite his success, the Bengals find themselves in a tricky situation. The team has invested heavily in multiple areas of its roster, including the offense, and their defense, while solid, is not necessarily built around the likes of Hendrickson. With the Bengals’ cap situation, the need to retool in other areas, and the general trend of teams trading away key veterans to build for the future, Hendrickson’s name has begun to appear in trade rumors.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ Situation

The Cincinnati Bengals have had a tumultuous few years, but they’ve emerged as one of the more competitive teams in the AFC, led by quarterback Joe Burrow. After years of being at the bottom of the NFL, the Bengals broke through in the 2021 season, making it to the Super Bowl and eventually falling to the Los Angeles Rams. However, even after that impressive showing, the team has been forced to make difficult decisions as it builds its future.

The Bengals’ front office has worked tirelessly to build a balanced team that can compete in the league for years to come. However, the defensive line has been a point of concern, even with Hendrickson on the roster. The Bengals have made strides in other areas, but the team has not yet been able to develop a dominant pass-rush unit beyond Hendrickson. Given that, combined with financial constraints and cap space issues, it wouldn’t be surprising for the Bengals to explore a trade for Hendrickson, especially if it results in securing more future assets for a team that is still rebuilding in certain areas.

Hendrickson has proven to be a valuable asset, but with the Bengals needing to address other positions and cap space, the team might look to move him to a contender for the right price. The Bengals are unlikely to part with Hendrickson unless they receive solid compensation in return, but they understand the realities of managing a competitive roster, especially when a player’s value might never be higher than it is right now.

Trey Hendrickson’s Fit in Detroit

The Detroit Lions are in an interesting position as they look to bolster their roster for both the present and the future. Under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have made significant strides, particularly in the offensive and defensive trenches. However, one area that has remained a question mark has been the pass rush. While the Lions have made improvements to their defense in recent years, they still struggle to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. This is where Hendrickson could be a perfect fit.

The Lions have had issues with consistency in their defensive line for years. While they have some promising players like Aidan Hutchinson, the team still lacks the depth and elite pass-rushing talent to truly transform their defense. Hendrickson’s ability to consistently get to the quarterback and create disruptions would provide an immediate boost to Detroit’s pass-rush, which is crucial in a division that features the potent offenses of the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.

Moreover, Hendrickson’s experience would be invaluable to the Lions’ younger defensive players. His leadership, combined with his ability to get after the quarterback, would serve as an example for other members of the defensive line. Hendrickson is a seasoned veteran who has proven his ability to excel in both the regular season and postseason, and his presence in the locker room could have a positive impact on Detroit’s defensive culture.

The Potential Trade and What the Lions Could Offer

If the Lions do indeed make a move for Hendrickson, they would need to figure out how to make it work within their salary cap constraints. Hendrickson’s contract, signed in 2021, comes with a significant cap hit, but it’s not out of reach for a team looking to make a splash. The Bengals may be willing to move Hendrickson if they can secure valuable draft picks or young players in return, especially considering their own cap space issues.

The Lions, with their growing stockpile of draft capital, could offer the Bengals multiple picks in return for Hendrickson. The team could send a second- or third-round pick in the upcoming draft along with another player, potentially a mid-tier defensive piece, to make the deal work. The Lions would likely have to absorb some of Hendrickson’s contract, but with the cap flexibility they have, it’s a move that could make sense.

In addition to the draft picks, the Lions might also offer a player or two to balance the trade. Detroit’s defense, while improving, still has areas of weakness that Hendrickson’s departure could help address. A player like defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs, who has shown promise but is expendable in a trade, could be a valuable addition for the Bengals to help fill a hole on their defensive line.

The Lions also have the flexibility to move a player like linebacker Alex Anzalone, who has experience in a 3-4 defense and could help shore up Cincinnati’s linebacker corps. The Bengals would likely want to maximize their return on Hendrickson, and by giving up multiple assets, the Lions would be able to sweeten the deal.

The Detroit Lions’ Defensive Scheme and the Impact of Trey Hendrickson

One of the key reasons why a trade for Hendrickson makes so much sense for the Lions is his ability to fit into the team’s defensive scheme. Dan Campbell has built a defense that emphasizes toughness and hard-nosed play in the trenches. Hendrickson, known for his relentless motor and ability to win one-on-one battles, fits this mentality perfectly.

Detroit’s defense under Campbell has moved toward a more aggressive 4-3 scheme that allows for multiple players to generate pressure from the defensive line. Hendrickson would slot in seamlessly as a starting defensive end, opposite Aidan Hutchinson. The two would create a formidable edge-rushing duo that would give opposing quarterbacks fits.

Moreover, Hendrickson’s experience in a multiple front and his ability to play both the run and the pass would be a huge asset for the Lions. His versatility allows him to align in different spots along the line, giving defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn flexibility in how he designs his pass rush. With Hendrickson on the roster, the Lions’ pass rush would receive a much-needed boost, helping them close the gap with division rivals who boast high-powered offenses.

Trey Hendrickson is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing names on the NFL trade market right now. With his proven track record as a pass rusher and disruptive force on the defensive line, he has become a highly sought-after player, and the Detroit Lions could certainly benefit from his presence. With a few tweaks to their roster and salary cap, the Lions could make a compelling case to the Cincinnati Bengals for Hendrickson’s acquisition.

As the trade deadline approaches and teams look to shore up their rosters for the stretch run, the Lions may find that Hendrickson is exactly the type of player they need to take their defense to the next level. For the Bengals, moving on from Hendrickson could allow them to build for the future while adding valuable assets. Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that Trey Hendrickson has made his mark on the NFL, and his next chapter could very well be in Detroit.