The Detroit Lions must find other ways to create pass rush outside of star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson in 2025. Although they drafted Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the first round, he is more of a run-stuffing DT than a pass-rushing DT. The only other defensive lineman Detroit selected was Boise State defensive end Ahmed
Hassanein in the sixth round.
While Hassanein could develop into a piece alongside Hutchinson, the chances he makes an impact as a rookie are slim. That said, one of the biggest storylines this offseason has been the Cincinnati Bengals' failure to pay star defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
On Monday, Hendrickson appeared on ESPN, calling out the Bengals for not having communicated with him about a contract extension since before the draft. He also made it clear he won't be showing up to training camp without a new contract.
This prompted Lions star linebacker Alex Anzalone to quote tweet the news simply saying, "This."
Anzalone's tweet stirred up some excitement within the Lions fanbase, with one fan even asking if he knew something everyone else didn't. However, he later tweeted, " Yall are confused lol" in response to the tweet about Hendrickson. Even though Anzalone's tweet may not have revealed a possible trade is in the works, anything can happen in the NFL.
Lions Linebacker Alex Anzalone Reignites Trey Hendrickson to Detroit Rumors
While Detroit's front office made it clear during the offseason that they don't intend on trading for Hendrickson, given that he's still available, they should at least consider the idea. Over the past two seasons, the 30-year-old pass rusher has led the NFL with 17 sacks each year.
Adding that to a room with Hutchinson could make the Lions an unstoppable force in the NFC. Furthermore, since the draft has passed and things haven't progressed, Cincinnati may be looking for less compensation.
Still, trading for Hendrickson comes with the caveat of giving him a contract. Though Detroit could do that, it would hinder them from signing their homegrown stars. Many Lions fans wouldn't love that trade-off, even if he meant a game-wrecking defensive line for a few seasons.
In spite of all this, Anzalone's tweet brought Hendrickson's trade conversation back to the forefront.