Pros and Cons of Trading Detroit Lions for Trey Hendrickson

The Detroit Lions have less than a week to get some relief via trade. With the bidding deadline set for November 5th, time is running out.

Many expect the Lions to make a move, but the extent of that move remains to be seen.

One target that could be in the mix for the Lions is cornerback Trey Hendrickson, who is seen as a potential piece to move after the Cincinnati Bengals’ 3-5 start to the season.

Hendrickson has been a big part of the Bengals passing game over the past few seasons. He arrived in Cincinnati in 2021 after starting his career with four seasons in New Orleans. The defensive end has recorded double-digit sacks in three of the last four seasons, with the exception of the 2022 season in which he had eight sacks.

He was originally selected by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 draft, coinciding with the tenures of Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn on Sean Payton’s coaching staff. As a result, the Lions head coach and defensive coordinator have some familiarity with the talented edge rusher.

This connection, combined with Hendrickson’s relentless playing style, makes for a perfect match. NFL.com’s Kevin Patra saw the same thing in a recent article predicting the perfect trade.

“If Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby is indeed ruled out of the game, the Lions should pursue Hendrickson,” Patra wrote. Detroit presumably has institutional knowledge of the player, given that head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were both part of the New Orleans staff during Hendrickson’s tenure with the Saints (2017-2020). He plays with the Campbell engine type. loves it and fits in the locker room. With seven sacks and 36 QB pressures this season, Hendrickson continues to be a weapon on the edge.”

MORE: Two leading Lions trade candidates emerge

Hendrickson is under contract until the end of next season, so an additional year of team control could raise his asking price. If acquired, the Lions would be on the hook for prorating his $14.8 million salary this year and the $15.8 million salary he is due next season.

The veteran cornerback also has a cap hit of $18,666,668 next season, further complicating the situation for the Lions, who dealt several long-term extensions over the last calendar year.

Because of the value placed on premium players, the Lions may need to spend multiple draft picks or perhaps a player to acquire Hendrickson. The asking price could also be affected by the outcome of the Bengals’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders this coming weekend.

However, Hendrickson would immediately be the Lions’ top option on the active roster this year, and a potential pairing with him and Hutchinson next year would make the team one of the best in the league in terms of wing pairings.

If the asking price is right, Leos should definitely take this deal. This would give them an immediate boost and make them one of the top pairings in the league in 2025.