How Trey Hendrickson's trade value can impact Lions' shot at another edge rusher

While the trade market has begun to heat up, the Detroit Lions are finding their name thrown into the ring more and more in relation to some potentially available pass rushers.

One name that has been floated recently by ESPN is Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. The Dolphins are, for lack of better words, floundering. Tua Tagovailoa hasn't looked the same since his numerous head injuries suffered back in 2024, and the teams' defense has been the easiest to run on in the NFL.

Phillips is still promising at only 26 years old. In a new environment, he could thrive, especially if he's second fiddle to Aidan Hutchinson and with far less pressure to do it all at the line of scrimmage.

While that might make his price decrease a bit for the Lions, it sure seems like the fire sale involving another edge rusher - Trey Hendrickson - might jack up the price for any edge rusher available on the trade market this November.

How Hendrickson could impact Lions' trade deadline without being their target

Hendrickson is likely to command at minimum a second round pick, but he could likely go for a first. Micah Parsons was dealt for two first rounders prior to the season beginning, and he's a lot more injury prone at this point in his career than Hendrickson.

If Hendrickson were to be shopped at this price, that means teams that can't match exactly what the Cincinnati Bengals are asking for can begin to jack up their own prices. Miami, who is likely seeking a haul of draft picks at the deadline this year to initiate a total rebuild, would probably ask Detroit for a haul of at least a third rounder for Phillips.

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This is a mighty price to pay for Phillips, who could walk in 2026. This is yet another example of who the Lions shouldn't be aiming for given the number of extensions they need to dole out between now and 2026. Phillips, and Hendrickson for that matter, are probably out of the question for the Lions for these reasons.

They're far more likely to go for a less pick costly option on defense to trade for on the market ahead of the deadline, and ideally, someone who would be controlled through 2026. Phillips' rising cost is just not worth adjusting the budget for, if you're general manager Brad Holmes.