While Detroit Lions fans eagerly await their team's return from bye as they take on the Vikings in Week 9, they also have the November 4 trade deadline in the back of their minds. The Lions don't have a desperate need to make a trade, as they have enough quality and depth across their roster. However, a team with Super Bowl aspirations needs to ensure that they don't leave any stone unturned. Knowing GM Brad Holmes, he will do everything in his power to see if there is a trade that would improve the team until the last moment before the deadline.
In fact, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Lions have already been in trade talks in recent weeks. On Saturday, she revealed everything she had heard around the league, including the Lions' interest in adding more safety and defensive line depth. However, they are apparently facing stiff competition, especially in their interest in the Bengals' players.
Lions Face Competition from Other NFC Contenders Ahead of Trade Deadline
Russini revealed that the Bengals have been receiving calls about LB Logan Wilson, CB Cam Taylor-Britt, and star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The Lions are only one of the teams engaged in trade talks with the 3-5 Bengals. The Rams, 49ers, Colts, and the Eagles are other teams listed as interested parties.
Trying to trade for Taylor-Britt may seem like an interesting idea at first, but we have heard very little about Detroit looking to make a CB trade. Plus, the Lions are getting healthier there with Terrion Arnold and Avonte Maddox returning, and DJ Reed only being a few weeks away.
Therefore, it's safe to assume that the Lions are mainly interested in acquiring Hendrickson. The veteran pass rusher is arguably the best player who is rumored to be on the trade block, and he is the one name who could swing a team's Super Bowl odds if traded. The lack of other pass rush options on the market and the fact that there seems to be more buyers than sellers will raise Cincinnati's asking price for Hendrickson. Considering that there are other NFC contenders interested in the four-time Pro Bowler, does it make sense for the Lions to give up at least a first-round pick to acquire Hendrickson?
The idea of pairing Aidan Hutchinson with Hendrickson is certainly appealing. This would push the Lions' defense to another level. At the same time, there is obviously a major risk associated with giving up significant draft capital for a 30-year-old who will need a new contract in the offseason. How aggressively Holmes will pursue this deal will be fascinating to watch over the next few days.