The Detroit Lions finished with a 9-8 record last season and missed the playoffs. Detroit is looking to bounce back in 2026 with tweaks to the roster. It also helps the Lions that they potentially have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL as well.
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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell celebrates a 2-point conversion against the Washington Commanders scored by running back David Montgomery during the first half at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
Detroit needs to address the trenches on both sides of the football. One player that the Lions could potentially sign in free agency is defensive end Trey Hendrickson. He wants to play for a true Super Bowl contender. In seven games played last season, Hendrickson recorded 16 tackles, four sacks, and one pass deflection. He is 31 years old.
NFL Analyst Thinks That the Detroit Lions Should Sign Trey Hendrickson In Free Agency
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Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) runs out to the field before the game against the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Nick Shook of nfl.com wrote about four different NFL teams who should sign Hendrickson in free agency. He said,
“It’s no secret the Lions have sought a pass-rushing partner forAidan Hutchinson" data-link="/players/aidan-hutchinson/" data-slug="aidan-hutchinson">Aidan Hutchinsonfor more than a year. It’s also obvious Detroit needs reinforcements defensively, especially up front. The issue is the money: Detroit needs to restructure a handful of contracts in order to dig out of the $6 million cap deficit it currently faces before pursuing any big-money targets. However, given the pressure of their title window and defensive needs, the Lions have plenty of motivation to make such an addition with the expectation Hendrickson will produce.”
A duo of Aidan Hutchinson and Hendrickson would no doubt help the Lions defense. Detroit needs another anchor in the trenches as well. They will most likely use a first-round pick on an offensive line however or in a potential trade for another pass rusher like Maxx Crosby. Detroit probably would sign Hendrickson for a short-term deal if it happened. Either way, they need another guy on the defensive line.
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