The Detroit Lions entered 2025 with real Super Bowl hopes. But after falling short of the playoffs entirely, that dream took a hit - and so did the perception of their championship window.
The good news? That window isn’t shut just yet.
But if the Lions want to keep it open, now’s the time to get aggressive. And that starts with reinforcing the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Last season, Al-Quadin Muhammad filled that role and delivered a career-high 11 sacks. But he’s set to hit free agency, and after the year he just had, he won’t come cheap. The Lions could bring him back, but there’s no guarantee he replicates that production - and there’s a bigger opportunity on the table.
Enter Trey Hendrickson.
The Bengals edge rusher is expected to hit the market, and he checks a lot of boxes for Detroit. High motor?
Check. Proven production?
Absolutely - he led the NFL in sacks from 2023 to 2024. Culture fit?
That might be the best part. Hendrickson plays with the kind of relentless energy that Dan Campbell preaches every day in Allen Park.
You want to talk about biting kneecaps? Hendrickson’s already halfway through the shin.
Now, there’s some uncertainty in Cincinnati. The Bengals could tag Hendrickson and explore a trade, but it’s clear there’s tension between the player and the front office after contract talks didn’t go his way. If he’s available - whether via free agency or trade - the Lions should be first in line.
Pairing Hendrickson with Hutchinson would give Detroit one of the most dangerous edge duos in the league. That’s not hyperbole.
We’re talking about two relentless disruptors who can collapse pockets, create chaos, and change games. For a defense that made real strides in 2025 but still lacked that consistent second threat off the edge, this would be a game-changer.
Spotrac projects Hendrickson’s next deal at two years, $50 million. For a player with his résumé, that’s a manageable number - especially when you consider the potential return on investment in the form of quarterback pressures, sacks, and, most importantly, wins.
Of course, there’s a hurdle: GM Brad Holmes has been cautious with the checkbook. He’s prioritized building through the draft and retaining homegrown talent - and that’s worked. But with the team knocking on the door and a roster that’s ready to compete now, this might be the moment to take a swing.
Detroit doesn't need to blow it all up or go full "win-now" mode. But adding a proven pass rusher like Hendrickson would be a bold, calculated move - the kind that signals you’re serious about contending.
The Lions have built a strong foundation. Now it’s time to add the finishing pieces.
If Hendrickson is available, Detroit should do everything it can to bring him in. Because with him and Hutchinson coming off the edges, the Lions wouldn’t just be contenders - they’d be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
And that Super Bowl window? It might just swing wide open again.