Live from Detroit, the Lions are entering the 2025 season with high hopes of staying in the playoff hunt—despite enduring a major shakeup on Dan Campbell’s coaching staff this offseason.
Fortunately for Detroit fans, the team avoided a roster overhaul and managed to keep key playmakers. The front office locked in Kerby Joseph and Derrick Barnes with long-term extensions, ensuring some core stability. They also welcomed in reinforcements, including seasoned corner D.J. Reed and first-round draft pick Tyleik Williams, a promising defensive tackle.
But even with those additions, there are a few positions where Detroit could beef up the depth chart—especially with the NFC North looking more competitive after an active offseason. So what moves could still be on the table ahead of July’s training camp? Here are three trade candidates that could fit the bill:
Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson
Let’s start with the edge rush. While Aidan Hutchinson is a known force, his counterpart on the other side remains uncertain. Marcus Davenport currently leads the pack following OTAs, but injuries have limited him to just six appearances over the past two seasons. Behind him are Josh Paschal and sixth-round rookie Ahmed Hassanien—both talented, but arguably not starting-caliber just yet.
That’s why a potential blockbuster trade for Trey Hendrickson would make waves. The 30-year-old Pro Bowler is coming off a dominant 2024 season, where he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks. Over the past four years, he’s racked up 57 sacks, 155 tackles, and 11 forced fumbles, all while missing only three games.
And here’s the kicker—Detroit still has over $40 million in cap space. Structuring a deal that secures Hendrickson long-term without jeopardizing a future extension for Hutchinson is entirely feasible.
Carolina Panthers G/C Cade Mays
Shifting to the offensive front—Frank Ragnow’s sudden retirement earlier this month left a noticeable hole in the Lions’ O-line. The silver lining? Detroit acted fast in the draft, grabbing Tate Ratledge from Georgia in the second round. They’ve also got the versatile Graham Glasgow, who can swing between guard and center.
But depth is the concern. Kevin Zeitler signed with the Titans, and relying solely on rookies may be risky. One under-the-radar trade target? Cade Mays from the Panthers.
Mays has proven he can hold his own—he didn’t allow a single sack and gave up only 10 pressures across 495 snaps at center last season, per Pro Football Focus. He’s also logged experience at guard in previous years. If Carolina is willing to deal, Detroit could offer a late-round pick and bring in a capable depth piece who might develop into a starter.
New York Giants DE Kayvon Thibodeaux
Now, if the Lions want to reinforce the pass rush without shelling out for Hendrickson, there’s another intriguing option—Kayvon Thibodeaux.
He hasn’t exactly lived up to the hype as the No. 5 overall pick in 2022, but the production has still been solid. In 43 starts, Thibodeaux has totaled 21 sacks, 127 tackles, and six forced fumbles. His best year came when he stayed healthy for all 17 games, notching 11.5 sacks.
He’s missed eight games across three seasons, which could raise flags. But the potential fit next to Hutchinson is tantalizing. The Giants, now loaded with Brian Burns and top-3 draft pick Abdul Carter, might be willing to part with Thibodeaux for the right offer—likely a Day 2 pick. And with two more years of contract control at manageable cap hits—$9.97M in 2025 and $14.75M in 2026—it might just be the low-risk, high-reward gamble the Lions need.
As July approaches, it’s clear Brad Holmes and the front office still have a few chess moves to consider. With ample cap space, a stable roster core, and playoff momentum to build on, the right trade could be what pushes Detroit from contenders to serious title threats in 2025.
