If there is one major talking point for the Detroit Lions as they prepare for training camp in July, it's at the edge position. There are, in fact, multiple items on the Lions' agenda in this department, and Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox agrees.
In addition to needing to get an extension done with Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions still need to figure out how to add more depth at the position. That could come by way of signing Za'Darius Smith back after cutting ties earlier in the year, or it could come via a much bigger move.
"The Lions released Smith this offseason. Bringing him back or acquiring another pass rusher via free agency or trade—Trey Hendrickson looms as a top trade target—would be wise," wrote Knox.
Well, there's a little bit to unpack here. Let's start with the move Chicago might end up making.
The Lions need to find the best available pass rusher before Chicago does
In all likelihood, Chicago would probably go out and sign someone like Smith, Matt Judon or Jadeveon Clowney. Out of those three, Clowney might be the best option in terms of recent production.
If that's the case, then Detroit should go make that move before the Bears do. It's pretty simple.
Now, if there is actually a chance the Bengals trade Trey Hendrickson, and to the Lions, then that changes everything. Adding a player like Hendrickson, alongside Hutchinson, would be a dream for the Lions defense.
Is there a world where the Bears somehow trade for Hendrickson? That's a scary thought, because edge rusher is really the only area they are still lacking.
Detroit is an interesting spot because of the fact Hendrickson wants a new deal and so does Hutchinson. Getting both of those top-tier pass rushers into new contracts would take up a giant portion of the Lions' cap which has already forked out big deals to Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The most realistic outcome, here, is for the Lions to bring back someone like Smith. Hopefully, Clowney and Judon sign somewhere other than Chicago and thus give the Lions a leg up.
