How Trey Hendrickson's trade value can impact Lions' shot at another edge rusher
While the trade market has begun to heat up, the Detroit Lions are finding their name thrown into the ring more and more in relation to some potentially available pass rushers.
One name that has been floated recently by ESPN is Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. The Dolphins are, for lack of better words, floundering. Tua Tagovailoa hasn't looked the same since his numerous head injuries suffered back in 2024, and the teams' defense has been the easiest to run on in the NFL.
Phillips is still promising at only 26 years old. In a new environment, he could thrive, especially if he's second fiddle to Aidan Hutchinson and with far less pressure to do it all at the line of scrimmage.
While that might make his price decrease a bit for the Lions, it sure seems like the fire sale involving another edge rusher - Trey Hendrickson - might jack up the price for any edge rusher available on the trade market this November.
How Hendrickson could impact Lions' trade deadline without being their target
Hendrickson is likely to command at minimum a second round pick, but he could likely go for a first. Micah Parsons was dealt for two first rounders prior to the season beginning, and he's a lot more injury prone at this point in his career than Hendrickson.
If Hendrickson were to be shopped at this price, that means teams that can't match exactly what the Cincinnati Bengals are asking for can begin to jack up their own prices. Miami, who is likely seeking a haul of draft picks at the deadline this year to initiate a total rebuild, would probably ask Detroit for a haul of at least a third rounder for Phillips.
This is a mighty price to pay for Phillips, who could walk in 2026. This is yet another example of who the Lions shouldn't be aiming for given the number of extensions they need to dole out between now and 2026. Phillips, and Hendrickson for that matter, are probably out of the question for the Lions for these reasons.
They're far more likely to go for a less pick costly option on defense to trade for on the market ahead of the deadline, and ideally, someone who would be controlled through 2026. Phillips' rising cost is just not worth adjusting the budget for, if you're general manager Brad Holmes.
Steelers’ Reported Receiver Preference Makes No Sense
Stop me if you’ve heard that one before. The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for wide receiver help. As Groundhog Day as it feels, it’s not an entirely unreasonable thought. What makes less sense is NFL Network Ian Rapoport’s indication the Steelers want more
In a recent trade preview article, Rapoport made the Steelers’ wants clear.
“The Steelers are, once again, in the market for a receiver, sources say. Their offense has thrived by featuring multiple tight ends, but the addition of a speed threat to pair with DK Metcalf would help Aaron Rodgers and the offense,”
Assuming Rapoport’s speed comment is also sourcing and not opining, the idea falls short for a simple reason. Pittsburgh has nothing but “speed threats” opposite DK Metcalf: Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Scotty Miller. All dudes whose calling cards
Sure, it’s fair to say speed and speed alone isn’t the end-all. Wilson and Miller’s production have been invisible. Partly due to a lack of playing time in Arthur Smith’s tight end-heavy offense.
But Austin has done everything the team has asked him to do. The volume isn’t there, it never will be as a No. 2 in the constructs of this offense, but the effectiveness is there. Of his 10 receptions, three have gone for 20 or more yards. Two have found the end zone, including a vertical game-winner against the New England Patriots. The type of play Rapoport outlines above.
A speed threat to beat man coverage, a great release to shake and stack the cornerback before adjusting to find the ball and make the catch.
Austin has progressed year-by-year. I’ve been critical of him in the past. An inability to make catches outside of his frame. Questioning if he could make plays outside the numbers. He’s checked those boxes. And the little things he does, his blocking, effort, and team-first nature, fit the offense and the culture well.
It directly opens up plays for others like Metcalf, who credited Austin for his speed occupying two Minnesota Vikings’ defenders on Metcalf’s 80-yard touchdown. And it was Austin who threw the final score-springing block.
If Pittsburgh adds more speed, will they use it? There’s a chicken-egg argument to be had whether the Steelers aren’t using Wilson and Miller’s speed properly or if those two aren’t good enough to capitalize on their wheels. But Aaron Rodgers is getting the ball out quickly and throwing shorter than any other quarterback in football. Even with an uptick in his numbers the past two games, Rodgers entered Sunday’s slate with the lowest average completed air yards in the NFL.
Another mold at receiver would offer more value. Not another speedster. Here’s the buckets each current receiver falls into.
DK Metcalf – No. 1/Do It All Receiver
Calvin Austin III –
Ben Skowronek – Big Personnel Blocker/Dirty Work/Core Special Teamer
Roman Wilson – Speedster
Scotty Miller – Speedster
Ke’Shawn Williams – Kick/Punt Returner
Very broad labels and for a guy like Wilson, we’re still learning more about him. But it’s all similar. A little variety wouldn’t hurt.
Instead of more speed, Pittsburgh could look for a power forward/size player. Metcalf offers that but he’s the only one. Skowronek is big but doesn’t have that style. Jakobi Meyers would fit. He’s not fast but a big-body with strong and reliable hands. As does Josh Reynolds, who we suggested earlier today.
How about a route runner? Pittsburgh is missing that guy in the room. Metcalf and Austin aren’t bad but they aren’t high-level with their stems. The Steelers haven’t had a true route runner since Diontae Johnson and before him, Antonio Brown. The best receiver is an open one and that type would fit well in Pittsburgh’s quick-passing game. Someone who can beat press/man coverage and win on slants and digs over the middle. A Calvin Ridley-type fits.
Even an RPO/gadget/space player has value. Pittsburgh doesn’t have that at receiver. On appearances, Austin might look like that guy, short and fast, but his game is speed. Not quickness and not YAC. He doesn’t take the short swing/screen pass and turn it into a big gain. A Wan’Dale Robinson-type fits (though the Giants aren’t shopping him) and I question its value overall in Smith’s offense. Still, it’s an archetype that Pittsburgh could pursue to add more skillsets to the offense.
If Austin’s shoulder injury was going to sideline him for the next several weeks, acquiring another speedster would have more merit. The combination of Austin avoiding injured reserve, Tomlin leaving the door open for him to return last week (even if Austin ultimately was inactive), and reporting that indicates he’ll be back Week 8, there’s no need to get another player cut from the same mold.
Frankly, and this might be controversial, I’m not sold on Pittsburgh needing to trade for another receiver. Especially some mid or low-level addition like Mike Williams last year. The offense is productive, Rodgers is playing well, and Austin has been a supporting No. 2 for how this offense is built. The synergy of the receiver room is admirable, too, and I’m open to giving Roman Wilson more opportunities. Not less, which is what would happen if a wideout was brought in.
Unless it’s a high-end caliber talent like the Saints’ Chris Olave, which naturally comes at a greater cost, roll with the group they have for the rest of 2025. It’s no slam dunk Pittsburgh needs another receiver and if they must, they sure don’t need more speed.
