Delusional AFC team set to crush the trade deadline dream of some Lions fans

The Detroit Lions are in the market for an edge rusher before Tuesday's trade deadline. That's not breaking news, but it is a matter of finding the right fit, if they can find the right fit.

If Lions fans can't have Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett (they can't....probably), many would put in a vote for Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. He's a highly productive pass rusher (seven sacks this season, 60 sacks since 2020), he's good against the run and he has history with Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn from time they were with the New Orleans Saints

Alongside another potentially available name on the edge rusher market that's persistently tied to Detroit, and maybe even above that player, Hendrickson might be the perfect trade deadline match for the Lions. And even if the 3-5 Bengals aren't fully compelled to be trade deadline sellers, Hendrickson asking for a trade last spring and their tendency to be cheap might push them to trade him if the right offer comes.

Bengals may be set to crush the trade deadline dreams of some Lions' fans

As part of her latest round of NFL trade deadline reporting, Dianna Russini of The Athletic had some sentiment about the Bengals.

"Surprise! The team that has only acquired two players via trade in 52 years is looking to do some shopping. This isn’t the Bengals’ style, but they have strong belief in this team and intend to get back to, at least, the AFC Championship game. Despite sitting at 3-5, Cincinnati has been poking around in search of a cornerback and a defensive lineman to get defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo some help. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is seen as the only threat on this Cincy defense. Also: I was told they are not trading wideout Tee Higgins."

A slow start is nothing new for the Bengals, and if they beat the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday they will be 4-5 after starting 0-3. So they are not a likely trade deadline seller, as as Russini revealed they haven't exactly ever been a buyer and now they intend to be.

Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac made fun of the penny-pinching ways of owner Mike Brown at the thought of the Bengals being a trade deadline buyer.

If the Bengals aren't willing to trade anyone that they should, or make a notable exception for Hendrickson based on the bigger picture with him, perhaps the Lions have already found that out and moved on with their search for an edge rusher.

Still, the Bengals somehow fancying themselves as a serious contender looks like it'll crush a trade deadline dream of some Lions' fans.