This Super Bowl contender should consider trading for Bengals' Trey Hendrickson

The Lions could be an excellent destination for Hendrickson. They have plenty of cap space and would give the four-time Pro Bowler a chance to win his first Super Bowl. 

Spotrac estimates that the Lions have $51.625M in cap space, the second most in the NFL behind the New England Patriots. Last season, Detroit went 15-2, the most regular-season wins in franchise history. 

The Lions would certainly have to sacrifice valuable draft capital to acquire Hendrickson. However, Detroit is in win-now mode after capturing two consecutive NFC North titles. 

More importantly, Hendrickson — who led the league in sacks (17.5 in 17 games) in 2024 — could help the Lions solve their pass-rush problems. 

During a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round last season, the Lions had zero zacks. Detroit's inability to generate pressure allowed Commanders QB Jayden Daniels to dismantle its defense. He finished 22-of-31 passing for 299 yards and two touchdowns.   

Lions EDGE Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending left tibia/fibula fracture in a Week 6 road win over the Dallas Cowboys last season. He's healthy now. 

Lions head coach Dan Campbell has created a special "Hutch Rule" during camp. The EDGE has been beating his man so much that Detroit doesn't blow the whistle on his would-be sacks so that the offense can get enough reps.

While Hutchinson is recapturing his elite form, that shouldn't prevent the Lions from pursuing Hendrickson. They could instantly have one of the league's top pass-rushing tandems if they acquired the Bengals star, bolstering their championship chances.