If there's one thing the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions have in common, it's their need for more edge rusher help.
The Micah Parsons trade has been disastrous for Dallas' defense, as evidenced by the Cowboys giving up 33 points per game, the second-most in the NFL, and having just five sacks.
The Lions desperately needed to add more edge rusher help during the offseason but failed to do so and now have an injury concern with Marcus Davenport, who is currently on injured reserve.
Al-Quadin Muhammad has done a good job filling in opposite Aidan Hutchinson, but it remains to be seen if he'll be able to keep that up.
One player to keep an eye on is Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who was recently named as a candidate to be traded at the deadline by Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox.
Knox believes that if Hendrickson is available, the Lions and Cowboys could be trade suitors. He pegs Hendrickson's value at a conditional second-round pick.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported in August that the Bengals wanted a 2026 first-round pick and a young defensive player in return for Hendrickson. They probably can't expect that now, but a desperate team may offer something close to it.
Potential Suitors: Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions
It's not crazy to think the Bengals could trade Hendrickson, who is one of the NFL's best pass-rushers. Cincinnati is in big trouble thanks to Joe Burrow's injury and Jake Browning's struggles.
As a result, the Bengals' season could go south very quickly and if all hope is lost at the deadline, Cincinnati might move Hendrickson before he possibly leaves in free agency next year.
Even if Cincy wants to utilize the franchise tag on Hendrickson before trading him in 2026, chances are they'll get a better return in 2025 from a desperate team at the deadline.
The Lions are much more likely to make a move for Hendrickson if he hits the trade block. After all, the Lions are 3-1 and have their eyes set on a Super Bowl.
Hendrickson could be Detroit's missing piece and would give the Lions an elite duo along the edge when combined with Hutchinson.
The Cowboys' interest in Hendrickson will almost certainly depend on where they sit at the trade deadline.
If Dallas is out of it, it wouldn't make any sense for them to give up draft capital to acquire Hendrickson. But if the Cowboys are contending for a playoff spot, not only could they acquire Hendrickson, they might be able to extend him, also, considering all the money not extending Parsons freed up.
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