The Detroit Lions may need one big splash to get over the top as a Super Bowl contender in 2025, and with the offseason just a few weeks away, speculation is shifting into gear.

With an offense placing in the top 10 of most statistical categories, the defense is ripe for some change. Another big move could be made to improve the group, and finding a way to add another pass rusher has already been a topic of conversation.

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport has offered up some trades that could “reshape the league” in 2025. The Lions are of course included on the list,

“If Hendrickson becomes available, the Lions should kick the tires—hard. It’s not just a matter of a Detroit pass rush that all but evaporated when Aidan Hutchinson got hurt last year. It’s the matter of where the Lions are as a franchise. If they’re going to make their first-ever Super Bowl, the time is now.”

“Hendrickson and Hutchinson would be a phenomenal duo on the edge. The Lions have the salary-cap space to make an extension for Hendrickson work. Push your chips into the middle of the table, Lions. Get what you can for a player who won’t be extended, Bengals. The deal makes considerable sense for both sides.”

The cost Davenport proposed? A 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick. The Lions will have an extra third-round pick next year after Aaron Glenn’s departure, so the cost for the reigning NFL sack leader second-round selection

Major trade target for Lions stands out as fantastic alternative to Maxx Crosby

Hendrickson spent his first four NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints (2017-2020), where he overlapped with Dan Campbell. That history may fortify the potential fit.

Lions trade for Trey Hendrickson trade is better idea than Maxx Crosby deal

Another trade idea floating around has involvled the Lions possibly circling back toward Maxx Crosby, who was already an object of fan attention prior to the 2024 trade deadline.

Crosby will command a high price tag in trade talks, and the Las Vegas Raiders may not have interest in dealing him now that Pete Carroll is the head coach. The Raiders didn’t budge on Crosby near the deadline, so it’s safe to say they’d have to be blown away by an offer to make a move.

Instead of dangling a package of high draft picks, the Lions should remain smart and target quality players who won’t cost nearly as much. To that end, Hendrickson stands out as the best player the Lions could chase on the trade market.

Statistically, Henderson has been dominant, putting up 35 sacks the last two years. Those are better numbers than Crosby, who has only managed 22 sacks over the same span. At 30, Hendrickson is three years older, but that might be enough to allow the Lions a chance at a move.

Hendrickson would certainly re-shape the Lions’ biggest defensive weakness, and while it would be against Brad Holmes’ grain to make such an aggressive move nothing should be completely off the table.

This article first appeared on Side Lion Report and was syndicated with permission.