The Detroit Lions opened free agency with a big move when they landed D.J. Reed as a replacement for Carlton Davis.
Since then, they've been pretty quiet when it comes to adding outside talent.
Their only additions since then have been linebacker Grant Stuard and defensive tackle Roy Lopez.
What they still haven't done is address their need for an edge rusher they can pair with Aidan Hutchinson.
As things stand, Marcus Davenport would be the team's starter opposite Hutchinson.
That would not be ideal for a team looking to contend during the upcoming season, but it seems there may still be hope they get something done to move a big name into that spot
While answering free agency questions in a recent mailbag article for SI.com, NFL insider Albert Breer said he thinks it's possible the team could still try to trade for Cincinnati Bengals edge Trey Hendrickson.
I think it's possible. The Bengals want at least a second-round pick for him, and it's a lot to ask, to give a 31-year-old pass rusher, regardless of how good he is, in excess of $30 million per year while forking over that type of draft capital to pry him away. The Detroit Lions are picking at the end of the round, so maybe the pick would be a little easier for them to part with, but I would question how it'd affect negotiations with Aidan Hutchinson.
GM Brad Holmes seemed to shut down the idea a move like this could happen during the NFL Combine, but maybe that could change now that they've made their initial free agent moves.
At this point, their only two needs that stand out in their starting lineup are an edge and a right guard. A majority of the rest of the starting lineup is now locked down until at least 2026.
That could make the organization feel like their second-round pick is something they can part with in a trade.
If they see things that way, the only issue would be the new contract for Hendrickson.
The Lions already need to work deals out for Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph, which would make also paying Hendrickson tricky.
They would also face competition for the star edge as the latest report on his trade pursuits did that teams are willing to give him the contact extension he wants, but think the Bengals' trade demands are too much.
If the Lions can work the money out, I think giving up a second rounder to add the last piece you're missing for a Super Bowl run is obviously the right move.
We'll have to see if they end up feeling the same way before the Bengals send him somewhere else.
Related: Lions Star Reveals Detroit Was the One Team He Didn't Want to End Up With Before He Was Drafted
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This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 2:41 PM.