Lions' blockbuster trade prediction lands $30M 4-time Pro Bowler to pair with Aidan Hutchinson

The NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and Super Bowl contenders still have a chance to make key additions before time runs out. The Detroit Lions are one of those teams. Star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson recently signed an extension that will keep him in Detroit for years to come.

“The Lions have signed edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a four-year extension, the team announced Wednesday. The deal is worth $180 million with $141 million of that guaranteed, his agent Mike McCartney told ESPN's Adam Schefter,” ESPN’s Eric Woodyard wrote. “Hutchinson's $45 million average salary trails only the Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons ($46.5 million) among non-quarterbacks in the NFL.”

Even with Hutchinson locked up long-term, the Lions could still use another pass rusher to strengthen their Super Bowl push. One possible target is Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

“The Bengals haven't been able to work out a long-term deal with Hendrickson for some time, and they could decide to cut bait now. Meanwhile, the Lions have been looking for another pass-rushing option to complement Aidan Hutchinson for about the same length of time,” Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon wrote. “Hendrickson costs the Lions a Day 2 pick but plays a significant role on the team's first-ever Super Bowl run.”

Cincinnati has struggled to reach a long-term agreement with Hendrickson. He held out through training camp and even part of the preseason before finally securing a short-term deal.

“Hendrickson, who has attended meetings and been on the sidelines during training camp, is expected to return to practice Wednesday as one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the league. Reports have his new 2025 money at $30 million, and he indicated both sides are open to talking about a deal beyond this season,” Bengals writer Geoff Hobson wrote.

Pairing Hendrickson with Hutchinson would create one of the league’s most dangerous pass-rushing duos. The Lions would also be wise not to repeat Cincinnati’s mistake — if Hendrickson fits in Detroit, they should make every effort to extend him.

There’s plenty to like about a potential trade for Hendrickson, especially his ability to pressure the quarterback. With just one day left before the deadline, the Lions need to act fast if they want to make it happen.