Lions Predicted to Land Coveted $50M Free Agent Edge Rusher

Analyst forecasts Detroit will sign Trey Hendrickson to bolster pass rush opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Detroit Lions are expected to be aggressive in free agency this offseason as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign and make a Super Bowl push. One analyst is predicting the team will sign Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a two-year, $50 million contract, which would give the Lions a formidable pass-rushing duo alongside Aidan Hutchinson.

Why it matters

The Lions' Super Bowl window is seen as shrinking, so they need to make bold moves to maximize their chances of winning a championship in the near future. Adding an elite edge rusher like Hendrickson would significantly upgrade their defense and provide the perfect complement to Hutchinson, Detroit's 2022 first-round pick.

The details

Hendrickson is coming off back-to-back seasons leading the NFL in sacks, making him one of the most coveted free agents on the market. The Bengals may use the franchise tag to keep him, but if he hits free agency, the Lions are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit. Hendrickson's high motor and relentless style of play would fit perfectly with head coach Dan Campbell's culture in Detroit.

  • Hendrickson is a pending free agent in 2026.
  • The Lions' Super Bowl window is seen as shrinking after a disappointing 2025 season.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A 28-year-old edge rusher who has led the NFL in sacks over the past two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Aidan Hutchinson

The Detroit Lions' 2022 first-round pick, who had a standout rookie season and would form a formidable pass-rushing duo with Hendrickson.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, known for his aggressive, high-energy approach that would mesh well with Hendrickson's playing style.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions, who has been hesitant to make big, expensive free agent signings in recent years but may change his approach to maximize the team's Super Bowl window.

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What they’re saying

“The Lions' Super Bowl window is shrinking, and Detroit needs another edge presence opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Hendrickson's high motor fits Dan Campbell's culture perfectly.”

— Paul Connor, Analyst (SportsGrid)

What’s next

The Bengals have the option to use the franchise tag on Hendrickson, which would complicate the Lions' pursuit of the star edge rusher. However, if he does hit the open market, Detroit is expected to be aggressive in its efforts to sign him to a lucrative multi-year deal.

The takeaway

This potential signing would be a bold, all-in move by the Lions as they look to maximize their Super Bowl window. Pairing Hendrickson with Aidan Hutchinson would give Detroit one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the NFL, significantly upgrading their defense and boosting their chances of winning a championship in the near future.