The Detroit Lions are still determining what their plan to replace Aidan Hutchinson will be, with some reports and rumors of players they've had interest in.
Lions fans are mostly focused on Maxx Crosby, but the Lions are more likely to make a deal for a more realistic and affordable target.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini joined "The Herd With Colin Cowherd" late last week and was asked about Detroit's plans at defensive end. She started by mentioning a particular player who lands as a trade target.
"Look, in terms of Detroit, I do think they're going to make calls. I do. I think they're going to call the Bengals, maybe see if Trey Hendrickson is a possibility for them. For right now, I think they're patching it up just to get through this (Minnesota Vikings) game. But I do expect them to pick up the phone. I don't think Haason Reddick is someone that fits what they're about and what they want to do."
Reddick has since agreed to a new deal with the New York Jets to end his holdout, effectively crossing him off the list. That leaves a name like Za'Darius Smith of the Cleveland Browns as the most viable trade target for the Lions.
But Hendrickson would also be a quality idea if the Lions and Bengals can connect on a deal.
Trey Hendrickson makes major sense as trade addition for the Lions
Hendrickson doesn't generate the buzz of Crosby or Myles Garrett, but there is no question that he is close to their level as a pass rusher.
Since signing with the Bengals, Hendrickson has emerged as one of the league's top pass rushers. He has made the Pro Bowl each of the last three years, and last year he had a career-high 17.5 sacks. So far this season, he has seven sacks (four over the last two games, to bolster his trade value?).
Hendrickson is also familiar to two key members of the Detroit coaching staff. He spent his first four seasons with the New Orleans Saints (2017-220), overlapping with Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn. That could make him the most realistic 'big name' the Lions pursue, if the Bengals decide to be sellers.
Hendrickson would not likely command multiple first-round picks in a trade, but he is a bona-fide edge threat. He could be a seamless Hutchinson replacement, and it's fair to assume he's someone the Lions have shown interest in.