ESPN: The Lions named favorite to land $60 million super star.
The Detroit Lions have undoubtedly been working hard in the offseason to attempt to replace some roster voids and return a more formidable squad. However, their squad still lacks at least one element, and it’s a quite obvious one.
To go with Aidan Hutchinson, who is coming back this season, the Lions need a reliable edge rusher. When Hutchinson got hurt during the team’s October 13 game against the Dallas Cowboys last season, they scrambled to fill in for him. Za’Darius Smith, a free agent at the moment, was a key component of their strategy. What will they do in 2025, then?
A Star Edge Rusher Pitch for the Detroit Lions Surfaces Again
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer threw shade at the idea of the Detroit Lions trading for Trey Hendrickson in the May 14 edition of his mailbag, stating that it would mean about a “$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.” Others, however, have stated that they firmly think Hendrickson joining the Lions is both possible and desirable.
NFL analyst and expert Cody Benjamin identifies his top landing locations for Hendrickson in a May 12 piece for CBS Sports. Benjamin said in the article, “Even at 30, he should have a formidable market, should the Bengals budge, in search of an elevated salary.” Given that Hendrickson is already owed almost $18 million this year, here is a summary of the most sensible landing sites.
Benjamin referred to the Lions as a “prime landing spot” for the outstanding edge rusher, who is nearing the conclusion of his $60 million deal, and labeled them his first choice for Hendrickson.
“The Lions added depth at wide receiver and addressed their offensive line early in the 2025 NFL Draft,” he said. Despite the fact that the club badly needed the now-departed Za’Darius Smith to replace Aidan Hutchinson last season, one position that was oddly disregarded was pass rusher. They may be a top destination for a proven star, since they still have over $40 million in 2025 salary cap space remaining.
The Detroit Lions are urged to move by more experts.
Benjamin is one of those who believe Hendrickson might be acquired by the Lions. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report stated back on April 23 that he thought the Lions might get the best defensive end, but that it may come at a price.
He said in the article, “But Hutchinson’s imminent return doesn’t negate Detroit’s need for a high-end complementary pass-rusher.” “Za’Darius Smith, who was released this offseason after being acquired at the trade deadline, finished second among Lions defenders with just four sacks last season.”
The Bengals should make Hendrickson available, he continued, even if “the Detroit Lions should be eager to land him even though the Colts loom as a logical landing spot for the reigning sacks leader if he is available.”
The good news is that Hutchinson’s recuperation from a fractured fibula is almost complete. The Lions can’t sit back and enjoy their success, though. They must provide Hutch with the assistance he is due.
