After finishing a middling 9-8, the Detroit Lions find themselves at a bit of a crossroads. They’re still loaded with young talent, but if they want to get back into serious Super Bowl conversations, this offseason has to be more than just about development - it has to be about calculated, impactful moves.
The challenge? Their salary cap situation is tight, and the market for top-tier free agents isn’t going to do them any favors.
Two names that jump off the page as ideal fits for Detroit - pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and center Tyler Linderbaum - also come with price tags that could make GM Brad Holmes think twice. According to Pro Football Focus' contract projections, both players are expected to command top-of-the-market deals.
And while the Lions have ways to create cap space, looming extensions for the 2023 draft class - which includes four Pro Bowlers like Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell - are going to eat into long-term flexibility. Translation: Detroit can’t afford to miss on a big-money signing.
Trey Hendrickson: A Dream Fit Opposite Hutchinson - But at What Cost?
Let’s start with Hendrickson. The 31-year-old edge rusher has been a fan-favorite trade target in Detroit for a while now, largely due to his ongoing contract saga in Cincinnati.
Now that he's set to hit free agency, he’s finally on the open market - but not without a hefty price tag. PFF projects a two-year, $50.89 million deal, and while that’s a big number, it reflects Hendrickson’s elite production when healthy.
We’re talking about one of just six edge rushers to post a pass-rush win rate above 20% over the past three seasons. Even more impressive?
He’s done it while ranking top-three in sacks - despite missing significant time last year. That’s not just efficiency - that’s dominance.
Pairing Hendrickson with Aidan Hutchinson, who just earned Second-Team All-Pro honors, would give Detroit one of the most dangerous edge duos in the league. It’s the kind of move that could transform a defense overnight.
But the Lions have options. Re-signing Al-Quadin Muhammad would be more affordable, and the 2026 NFL Draft class is expected to be rich with pass-rushing talent.
There’s also the return of 2025 pick Ahmed Hassanein, who missed all of last season due to injury but remains a promising piece.
So while Hendrickson would be a huge upgrade, the Lions may decide that the position is already in decent shape - at least compared to other areas of need. And with teams like the Commanders expected to be in the mix, a bidding war could quickly push Hendrickson out of Detroit’s price range.
Tyler Linderbaum: The Centerpiece Detroit Desperately Needs
If there’s one external free agent worth breaking the bank for, it’s Tyler Linderbaum. With Frank Ragnow’s retirement and attempted comeback falling short, the Lions' center position became a glaring weakness. Graham Glasgow, who stepped in, struggled - ranking 33rd out of 40 centers last season according to PFF.
That’s where Linderbaum comes in. The 25-year-old is not only the best center on the market - he might be the best center in football not named Creed Humphrey.
PFF projects a four-year, $70.89 million deal, which would place him just under Humphrey’s $72 million contract. And honestly, that might be a bargain.
Linderbaum has posted a run-blocking grade of 78.0 or higher in each of his four seasons - regardless of scheme. Whether it’s gap or zone, he ranks in the 85th percentile or better.
For a Lions offense that wants to lean on the run game, that’s exactly the kind of anchor you build around. His presence alone would elevate the play of young guards Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge, both of whom showed flashes last season despite being thrown into the fire early.
And this isn’t just about 2026. Linderbaum would be a foundational piece through the rest of his prime, giving the Lions a long-term solution at one of the most important - and often overlooked - positions on the offensive line.
Of course, Baltimore isn’t going to let him walk without a fight. With Jesse Minter now at the helm and Lamar Jackson still under center, the Ravens are in win-now mode. Add in Derrick Henry powering the run game, and bringing back Linderbaum is likely their top offseason priority.
Can the Lions Make It Work?
That’s the big question. Holmes and his front office have been strategic - even conservative - when it comes to splashy free-agent moves.
Outside of extending their own core players, they’ve largely avoided big spending. And with the projected costs of Hendrickson and Linderbaum, it would take some serious financial gymnastics to make either deal happen.
Could they restructure contracts, make a few tough cuts, and open up enough space? Sure. But given Holmes’ track record, it’s hard to see Detroit throwing top-dollar offers at players outside the building - even ones as talented and scheme-perfect as these two.
Still, if there’s one external move that checks every box - fit, age, positional need, long-term value - it’s Linderbaum. Hendrickson would be a luxury.
Linderbaum? He might be a necessity.
The Lions aren’t far off. But in an NFC that’s only getting tougher, standing pat isn’t going to cut it.
Whether it’s this offseason or the next, the clock is ticking on maximizing this young core. And if Detroit wants to take that next step, it may require stepping out of their comfort zone - and into the deep end of free agency.