The Detroit Lions desperately need an upgrade along the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and fans no doubt dream of a trade for Trey Hendrickson.
However, one insider believes that kind of blockbuster trade is unlikely because of the impending contract situation with Hutchinson, who should get his monster extension sometime in the next year.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer was asked in a recent mailbag if he thinks the Lions could trade for Hendrickson at some point, but he shot that down because Detroit is unlikely to be keen on paying big money to two edge rushers.
Jamara, I like the idea, but I’d say no, because whatever you pay for Trey Hendrickson becomes the floor for a megadeal for star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. You’d be talking about $70-million-plus per year sunk into two players at one position—with one of them in his 30s—on a roster with a lot of young talent to pay.
Currently in a contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals that will lead to a holdout if nothing gets done, Hendrickson and the Lions would have to hammer something out before a trade can be pulled off.
The NFL sacks leader in 2024 and the past two years in total, Hendrickson should command somewhere in the range of $35-$40 million annually in a new contract.
But, as Breer points out, that will set the floor for a Hutchinson deal, which should be coming relatively soon as he enters the second-to-last year of his rookie deal.
General manager Brad Holmes has already admitted the Lions couldn't afford the $11 million or so Za'Darius Smith was set to make, which is why he was cut.
Considering that, there's no way the Lions would be able to pay both Hendrickson and Hutchinson the monster deals both will be seeking.
MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS
Lions 2025 record prediction after schedule release
Lions strength of schedule 2025: Where Detroit's slate ranks among rest of NFL
Lions OC John Morton's hype for wide receiver Jameson Williams is through the roof