One of many prime defensive ends within the National Football League nonetheless stays accessible for groups just like the Detroit Lions to accumulate through commerce.
Sports activities Illustrated NFL reporter Albert Breer just lately answered questions for an NFL mailbag and addressed two questions from Lions supporters, inquiring about the opportunity of touchdown Cincinnati Bengals star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The asking value continues to stay excessive, because the AFC North squad is reportedly in search of at the least a second-round choose for the NFL’s 2024 sack leader.
“I believe it’s potential,” Breer replied. “The Bengals need at the least a second-round choose for him, and it’s lots to ask, to present a 31-year-old cross rusher, no matter how good he’s, in extra of $30 million per yr whereas forking over that kind of draft capital to pry him away. The Detroit Lions are picking on the finish of the spherical, so possibly the choose could be somewhat simpler for them to half with, however I might query the way it’d have an effect on negotiations with Aidan Hutchinson.”
One other supporter requested, “Something on Detroit and on the lookout for an edge participant?”
Detroit signed Marcus Davenport to a one-year contract and in addition re-signed Levi Onwuzurike. Za’Darius Smith being launched was not a giant shock, however there stays hope the 32-year-old might return on a extra reasonably priced contract.
With a deeper draft class alongside the defensive position, normal supervisor Brad Holmes might goal a youthful, extra reasonably priced draft prospect to assist Detroit’s defensive position.
Each Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph are anticipated to land huge, long-term contract extensions this offseason. With the workforce prioritizing bringing back its personal gamers, including a participant of Hendrickson’s stature may find yourself being too prohibitive, particularly with a call on Jameson Williams additionally upcoming.
Hendrickson might command north of $35 million, as Myles Garrett just lately earned a contract extension from the Browns that pays him $40 million yearly.
“I believe the discharge of Za’Darius Smith is a precursor to one thing taking place on the place. However I’d warn that it does not must be in free company or through a commerce,” Breer famous. “This yr’s draft class is obscenely deep in edge gamers, so it’s definitely potential they might spend each the twenty eighth and sixtieth picks on defensive linemen, and wind up wanting good for it down the road. It’s enjoyable to consider the thought of somebody like Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. being on that roster.”
