The Detroit Lions faced a devastating defensive injury crisis in 2024, with 16 defensive players sidelined on the injured list. Despite these setbacks, the team managed an impressive 15 regular-season wins. Aidan Hutchinson was having a Pro Bowl-worthy season until he suffered a broken leg in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, forcing Detroit to scramble for consistent pass rush production.
Although the Lions earned the NFC‘s top seed, their weakened defense could not hold up during the playoffs. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and his offensive unit exploited Detroit’s diminished pass rush in the Division Round, as the Lions failed to register a single sack, which contributed significantly to their playoff exit.
Addressing the Need for a Complementary Edge Rusher
With Hutchinson expected to return to full health, the Lions are now focused on securing a strong partner on the opposite edge to establish a formidable pass rushing duo. According to Brandon Austin of PFSN, Detroit is targeting Cincinnati’s pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to fill this critical void.
Austin highlights Detroit’s financial capacity to absorb Hendrickson’s contract, stating,
“Financially, the Lions are among the few contenders positioned to absorb Hendrickson’s current deal, with $51.3 million in 2025 cap space, according to Spotrac,”
and adds,
“His acquisition would remedy Detroit’s lack of proven edge options behind Hutchinson, particularly given Marcus Davenport’s injury issues and Josh Paschal’s limited production. Levi Onwuzurike’s torn ACL also hurts the defensive line depth.”
Trey Hendrickson’s Contract Dispute and Trade Possibility
Hendrickson has been entangled in difficult contract talks with the Bengals, which escalated to the point where the pass rusher left Cincinnati’s training camp and relocated to Florida. Reporter Dianna Russini provided an update on his situation:
“EXCLUSIVE: Just spoke to Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is currently in Jacksonville, FL. For the last 30 days, he had been at his home in Cincinnati and training. But as training camp approached, he and his wife decided to leave.” —Dianna Russini, Reporter
The ongoing impasse suggests a trade is a practical resolution for both Hendrickson and the Bengals, as Cincinnati aims to move on from a contract they are hesitant to extend, while acquiring future draft picks. At the same time, Detroit’s cap space positions them as one of the few contenders able to absorb his current deal.
Projected Trade Terms and Implications for Both Teams
Austin projects the potential trade would include Detroit receiving edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, while Cincinnati would acquire a 2026 second-round draft pick and a 2026 fifth-round draft pick. This arrangement allows Cincinnati to avoid a lengthy contract dispute and gain valuable draft capital, although it may be unpopular with their fanbase.
For the Lions, adding Hendrickson would be a strategic move to strengthen their defense during their current push for a championship. The 77-sack veteran would join Hutchinson to form an intimidating pass rush duo, improving Detroit’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and bolster its defensive front.
What This Means for Detroit’s Defensive Outlook
The acquisition of Hendrickson is expected to be transformative for Detroit’s defense, especially after the struggles faced in the 2024 playoffs. With Hutchinson returning and Hendrickson arriving, the Lions could restore the defensive dominance needed to deepen their postseason runs. The move demonstrates Detroit’s commitment to addressing critical weaknesses and maintaining contender status in the NFC.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How bad was Aidan Hutchinson’s injury?
A. At the start of Season 6, Carrie and Aidan meet by chance on the street. A baby is strapped to Aidan’s chest. The child’s name is Tate, and he is Aidan’s son with Kathy, a furniture designer Aidan married.
Q. How bad is the Aidan Hutchinson injury?
A. During Week 6 on October 13, while playing against the Dallas Cowboys, Hutchinson injured his left leg. He broke his fibula and tibia when his leg was twisted while trying for a sack. Hutchinson, who had the most sacks in the NFL at that point with 7½, needed emergency surgery that night in Texas.
Q. How bad is Aidan Hutchinson hurt?
A. Hutchinson had a successful operation to repair his tibia and fibula. Reports mention that an intramedullary nail was used to stabilize his tibia.
Q. How bad was Aidan Hutchinson hurt?
A. Aidan Hutchinson’s recovery from his broken tibia and fibula is expected to take 4-6 months. However, Dan Campbell has faith in him. “I wouldn’t doubt Hutchinson’s ability to recover. It’s a tough journey ahead, but if anyone can come back strong, it’s him.”