NFL analyst lands on easy edge rusher trade match for the Lions

Dan Campbell can playfully tease it if he wants to, but he has been consistently clear the Detroit Lions are exploring trade options for an edge rusher. Making a move is rooted in cost (in a trade, and via a contract if applicable) and fit. And "fit" stretches beyond someone's talent or a schematic fit, to the intangible qualities the Lions seek in players.

Kevin Patra of NFL.com took a run at matching players and teams before next Tuesday's trade deadline. The Lions' need for an edge rusher naturally landed them on the list from the team side. The player fit is not a fresh one to be brought up, should he be available-Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

Trey Hendrickson lingers as an ideal trade match for the Lions

"I'm still not convinced the Bengals will be sellers despite a dismal start to the season. It's simply not how they usually operate. However, Hendrickson did make a contract-driven trade request in the offseason, and perhaps Cincy will make a move now rather than risk going through a similar situation heading into the final year of Hendrickson's deal in 2025."

"If Raiders star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby is truly off the table, the Lions should chase Hendrickson. Detroit presumably has institutional knowledge of the player, given that head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were both part of the staff in New Orleans during Hendrickson's time with the Saints (2017-2020). He plays with the type of motor Campbell loves and would fit in the locker room. With seven sacks and 36 QB pressures so far this season, Hendrickson has continued to be a weapon on the edge."
-Kevin Patra, NFL.com

Hendrickson has seven sacks and seven tackles for loss this season. He's Pro Football Focus' No. 20-graded edge defender thus far, with a run defense grade (71.1) a spot above Aidan Hutchinson's. His breakout season, 13.5 sacks with the New Orleans Saints in 2020, came when Lions' head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were on Sean Payton's staff there.

On the contract side, Hendrickson has a $14.8 million base salary this year (prorated portion for an acquiring team) and a $15.8 million non-guaranteed base salary in 2025.

As Patra noted, the biggest question is if the 3-5 Bengals will be sellers. But Hendrickson might be a unique situation after asking for a trade last offseason, and with the final year of his contract coming in 2025 they may want to get something for him now.

It feels certain Hendrickson would be someone who interests the Lions. Maybe it's already been explored, and rebuffed by the Bengals with no path to re-engaging. But that doesn't change the notion that the three-time Pro Bowler is an ideal fit for a team who needs an edge rusher, has coaches who are familiar with him and has Super Bowl aspirations.