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Lions 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams turns in best practice of training camp
Lions 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams turns in best practice of training camp

Yahoo

time05-08-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Lions 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams turns in best practice of training camp

Lions 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams turns in best practice of training camp originally appeared on The Sporting News With Alim McNeill out until at least October, the Detroit Lions will be relying on Tyleik Williams to be an impactful player immediately in his rookie campaign. The 2025 No.28 overall pick is starting on Detroit's defensive line along with D.J. Reader on the interior, and the rookie turned in his best day of practice on Monday. According to Tim Twentyman of Williams tallied two sacks during team periods on Monday and also showcased his power in the pass rushing department and run game. "Tyleik Williams had his best practice of training camp Monday night," Twentyman wrote. "Williams recorded two sacks on quarterback Jared Goff in team periods and made a number of other nice plays in the run game. His sacks were on bull rushes, pushing veteran center Graham Glasgow and left guard Christian Mahogany right back into Goff." "Williams' power was on full display on the sacks, but he's also showed off nimble feet for a 330-pound man. He's got great initial quickness to cross the face of defenders and knock them off balance and then let his power and push take over. He plays a lot on the other side of the line of scrimmage." During his four-year college career at Ohio State, Williams wasn't known for posting prolific sack numbers. The 22-year-old posted just 11.5 sacks in his career with the Buckeyes and was more known for his stout run defense. However, it looks like Williams is improving as a pass rusher at Lions' camp, and is showcasing why he will likely be a Day 1 starter on Detroit's defensive line. Williams didn't play in the Hall of Fame game versus the Los Angeles Chargers last Thursday. However, we should see him in action for the first time on Friday as the Lions travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to square off against the Atlanta Falcons. MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS Jared Goff would disagree with analyst's choice for 'biggest challenge' Lions are facing Detroit Lions UDFA taking first-team reps at training camp Detroit Lions draft pick threatening to take struggling veteran's role

Lions raining camp medical preview: Defensive tackles
Lions raining camp medical preview: Defensive tackles

USA Today

time17-07-2025

  • Sport
  • USA Today

Lions raining camp medical preview: Defensive tackles

The Lions rookies report to training camp today with the veterans to follow later. So let's start the training camp medical preview with the defensive tackle position. This position may have the most medical question marks on the entire team - which may be a big reason for the selection of Tyleik Williams in the 1st round of the draft. In 2024, the Lions only kept four DT's on the initial 53-man roster (Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Mekhi Wingo), so there may not be many spots up for grabs. Here is the list of DT's starting with the players with the biggest medical question marks entering the season. Ages are at the start of the season. #1: Alim McNeill - 25yo While there isn't much long-term concern with the ACL, there are definitely short-term ramifications. Due to the late-season timing of the injury, McNeill likely won't be ready until mid-November. Even when he returns, it will take him time to get back to his previous level of performance. He may not get back to where he was until the 2026 season. Projection: McNeill will start camp on PUP (physically unable to perform list) and stay on it for a few weeks into the season. With an estimated 11-month return-to-play, he triumphantly returns on November 16 (Week 11) in an important clash vs the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. His snaps and production are limited at first, but by the end of the regular season, he is showing increasing flashes of his old self. #2: Mekhi Wingo - 22yo Last year as a rookie, Wingo's season ended with a reported meniscus tear - but there are no specifics beyond that. His duration of absence suggests that he had a meniscus repair as opposed to a simple trim. A repair might have a better long-term outcome but carries a longer absence in the short-term. He was still limited at OTA last month which raises some concern. His status for the start of training camp is a mystery. Projection: His meniscus injury should be ready by the start of camp, but a stint on PUP is possible. If the Lions decide to play the roster management game, they could choose to extend his PUP stay into the season. If he comes off PUP during camp, he almost certainly makes the 53-man roster based on his age and promising play last season. #3: Brodric Martin - 26yo Martin had a disappointing 2nd-season playing just 25 defensive snaps all year. The hope is that the lost season was simply due to the preseason knee injury that is now healed up. However, he was still limited at OTA in June which could be a harbinger of what's to come on cutdown day. Projection: If he's a full participant at the start of camp, there is hope he can rebound from last season. He'll have an extra preseason game (4 total) this year to prove himself worthy of his 3rd-round status. #4: DJ Reader - 31yo Coming off a ruptured quad tendon, Reader rebounded impressively last season by playing in 16 games. This offseason, he stated he was healthy and did not have any surgeries. His main concern going forward is durability due to the history of bilateral quad tendon tears and his age of 31. His limited participation in OTA was likely for precautionary reasons. Projection: Reader will pick up where he left off last year as a solid starter in the middle of the line. His snap count will need to be managed throughout the season to keep him healthy. #5: Levi Onwuzurike - 27yo This former 2nd-rounder's unprecedented recovery from this kind of back surgery has been remarkable. But the fusion carries durability concerns the rest of his career. Those concerns may have been why he was only able to secure a modest, 1-year contract ($4 million plus incentives) this offseason as an unrestricted free agent. While he was very reliable last season playing in 17 of 18 games, his reliability going forward remains something to watch. He had a limited participation in OTA likely to minimize his workload. Projection: Onwuzurike will be ready for the start of the season and be a key rotational DT. His workload both in practice and games may need to be managed given his back history. #6: Tyleik Williams - 22yo This rookie 1st-rounder will be counted on to make an immediate impact with McNeill out. His offseason was hampered due to a presumed mild hamstring strain suffered during his pro day in March. While he was still limited at OTA in June, he'll likely be ready for the start of training camp. Projection: Williams should be fully ready for the start of the season and play a significant percentage of snaps. #7: Myles Adams - 27yo Adams was surprisingly a limited participant in OTA despite being medically clean throughout his career. He played 82 defensive snaps last season without an issue. His status for the start of camp is worth watching. Projection: The practice-squad seems the likely role for Adams. #8: Pat O'Connor - 31yo O'Connor performed well last season as a backup. He was logging a significant percentage of snaps (~50%) towards the end of the year as defensive line injuries mounted. A calf injury ended his season in the final regular season game, but that's not a concern anymore as he was a full participant at OTA. Projection: Given his solid performance last year, he has an excellent chance to earn a job as a key backup this season. Whether O'Connor makes the 53-man roster may depend on the play of the younger players during preseason. #9: Roy Lopez - 28yo After four reliable years in the NFL, Lopez might have the cleanest bill of health of the entire defense, which bodes well for his durability going forward. The Lions seem to agree, as they gave him a 1-year, $3.5 million (plus incentives) contract that was mostly guaranteed. Projection: He'll make the 53 man roster and play a lot throughout the season. #10: Chris Smith - 25yo Smith played 47 defensive snaps last year which was his first regular season action in the NFL. He should be fully healthy going into the season. Projection: As one of the younger members of this group, Smith will be in the mix to earn a practice-squad, backup role with the team. Expect to see him a lot in preseason games. #11: Raequan Williams - 28yo Williams hasn't played in the NFL since 2021 which suggests he's a long-shot to make the team. He was on IR all last season with the Panthers for undisclosed reasons. Projection: It would be a surprise to see him make the 53-man roster.

48 thoughts on the Lions' defensive players and special teams unit
48 thoughts on the Lions' defensive players and special teams unit

New York Times

time12-06-2025

  • Sport
  • New York Times

48 thoughts on the Lions' defensive players and special teams unit

DETROIT — One thought for all 48 players on the Detroit Lions' defense and special teams unit. DT Alim McNeill: One of the league's best young defensive tackles is going to be shelved for a bit after tearing his ACL in December. McNeill was in good spirits at locker room clean-out day in January, but don't expect to see him for a bit. The Lions won't rush him. He's too important. Advertisement DT Levi Onwuzurike: Back on a one-year steal deal, Onwuzurike will look to get paid next offseason. Last year was a breakout year for him, finishing top-15 in pressures and win rate among DTs, per PFF. However, he only racked up 1.5 sacks and teams might've been hesitant to pay a player with an injury history after just one year of production. The Lions benefited and will need their 2021 second-round pick with McNeill recovering. He should step in as a starting three-tech. DT DJ Reader: One of the best space-eating nose tackles in the league, Reader's value often doesn't show up on the box score. But he was impactful. In years past, the Lions would have to sell out to defend the run. Reader's presence frees up others to make plays. Don't be a box-score watcher. The Lions are lucky to have him. DT Tyleik Williams: Smart teams plan for the future, and that's what the Lions did by drafting Williams in the first round this past April. He wasn't on the radar of many, but those who watched him at Ohio State know what he's all about. He moves so well for a 300-pound tackle, and in many ways, he is reminiscent of McNeill coming out of NC State. A smart, instinctual player who can read and react with quickness, Williams will be heavily featured this year and beyond. All the tools to be a core player, and shores up a defensive line that could lose Reader and Onwuzurike in 2026. DT Roy Lopez: Adding Lopez in free agency was a move to address depth after an injury-riddled 2024 season. By the end of the season, the Lions were trotting out players who had signed just days prior. Lopez gives them starting-caliber depth in the event of an injury, and a rotational player who's strong as a bull with the mentality they covet. He offers peace of mind. DT Mekhi Wingo: Wingo flashed as an interior pass-rusher last season, but his lack of size and length make him more of a rotational player than a starter. He's recovering from a meniscus injury that sidelined him in the second half of the season, but told me he expects to be ready by training camp. We'll see if that's still the case, but the more time he has to reacclimate, the better. He's got some twitch that others don't have in that room. Advertisement DT Brodric Martin: It feels like now or never for Martin. The former third-round pick has yet to make an impact in the NFL and was passed up by practice-squad players last season when DT depth was thin. The Lions have had conversations with Martin about expectations, so this is nothing he doesn't already know. In a perfect world, the light comes on and he proves serviceable in a rotational role, setting him up to be the third DT next season behind McNeill and Williams. But the clock is ticking. DT Myles Adams: One of those practice-squad players who was trusted ahead of Martin was Adams. He came over from the Seattle Seahawks last season and impressed the staff enough to warrant a return this offseason. DT Pat O'Connor: Whenever Campbell talks about the 'vet squad' and how they'll need them when the season gets going, O'Connor is one of the names he often brings up. The Lions absolutely needed O'Connor when injuries struck last season, and he was a bit of a band-aid for them. One of those guys you're happy to have around. DT Chris Smith: A former UDFA who got his start at Harvard before transferring to Notre Dame, Smith has managed to stick around on the practice squad for a few seasons now, earning some defensive snaps sparingly. He's one of those players who will randomly earn some love from the head man himself. Cool to see a Detroit native get a chance for his hometown team. DT Raequan Williams: The former Michigan State product earned a tryout with the Lions during rookie minicamp, and parlayed it into a spot on the active roster heading into the summer. We'll have to see more going forward, but Williams is an easy-going personality and has bounced around various practice squads in his career to date. Maybe the Lions will find a spot for him. DT Keith Cooper: Cooper, a UDFA out of Houston, caught my eye at rookie minicamp. Felt like he was always in the backfield, even in shorts. He's got good size and a presence to him. Eager to see more in training camp. Advertisement Edge Aidan Hutchinson: The best player on this Detroit defense and one of the faces of this franchise, Hutchinson's return to action has been a welcome sight. He was on pace for a truly special season before a broken leg derailed it. But that's in the past. Hutchinson wants to prove that that torrid start is his new norm. If it is, he just might be the highest-paid defender in the game. Edge Marcus Davenport: The Lions, as of now, are rolling with Davenport as their starting edge opposite of Hutchinson. When he's on the field, Davenport is everything the Lions want out of a Hutchinson running mate. He's powerful, can set an edge, doesn't deviate from his responsibilities and is an excellent character fit. Banking on better health from a player who routinely ends his seasons on injured reserve remains a risky one — no matter how cheap his contract is. Edge Josh Paschal: At this point, we know what Paschal is. His run defense gives him a solid floor, but he's nothing special as a pass rusher off the edge, and hasn't improved much in that department since his rookie year. Holmes said the Lions played Paschal on the edge too much last season, and believes he can offer more value as an interior rusher, but the Lions have plenty of options inside. They need more players who can get to the quarterback off the edge. Edge Al-Quadin Muhammad: Signed to stop the bleeding last season when Hutchinson and Davenport went down, Muhammad was more than serviceable. He recorded 24 pressures in just 173 pass-rush snaps — the third-most he's had in a single season. For reference, he had 25 pressures in 376 pass-rush snaps in 2020 and 37 pressures in 457 pass-rush snaps in 2021. A good rotational piece who might have to play a heavy workload if history repeats itself with Davenport. Edge Ahmed Hassanein: A fan favorite before he's even played an NFL snap, Hassanein's energy is infectious. I've never seen a more appreciative player than him. He's in awe of everything that comes with being an NFL player — from the coaching he's getting to even the snacks available to him in the facility. An easy guy to root for, but it's important to remember he's a rookie sixth-round pick. He's not the savior, but in time, he could be a contributor. Edge Nate Lynn: Lynn was turning heads in training camp last year before suffering a season-ending injury. It's a shame because the coaching staff had good things to say about the UDFA out of William & Mary. Curious to see if he can recapture that momentum now that he's healthy. We haven't seen him much since that injury. Training camp will give us a proper evaluation window. Edge Isaac Ukwu: Ukwu flashed in training camp and the preseason last year, and the Lions gave him a shot when some of their top rushers went down, but he wasn't ready for meaningful NFL snaps. He played sparingly and wasn't much of a factor. Still, a good taste of NFL football for a rookie UDFA. We'll see what's in store for him in Year 2. Advertisement Edge Mitchell Agude: Agude is one of those guys you can expect to see every training camp. The Lions tried him at SAM linebacker last year with mixed results, but that they like him enough to move him around speaks to how they feel about him. He should have a spot on the practice squad, at the very least. LB Jack Campbell: Many criticized the Lions for drafting Campbell in the first round two years ago. Now he looks like one of the best young linebackers in the game. Go figure. Campbell's elite range and length give him a high floor, and he made serious strides in coverage in Year 2. It coincides with him settling into the MIKE linebacker spot, after he was moved around as a rookie. With so many injuries to the position last season, Campbell was a mainstay, and he's only getting better. The goal for him in 2025 should be a Pro Bowl appearance. He's got the talent. LB Alex Anzalone: One of the players who jump-started this rebuild, Anzalone is a valuable presence in the locker room and one of the NFL's most underrated linebackers. What he can do in man coverage and instinctively as a run defender helps keep everyone on the same page defensively. But it appears Anzalone, who wasn't around for OTAs, wants a new contract. Coaches wouldn't discuss his situation, but he was one of two players who weren't accounted for this spring and weren't on Campbell's list of injury absences. The other was Frank Ragnow. Entering the final year of his contract, we'll see what the future holds for these two parties. LB Derrick Barnes: While Anzalone could be waiting on a new contract, Barnes is back on a new three-year deal, paying him north of $8 million per year. You might wonder if that was a lot to pay a linebacker coming off a knee injury, and it's a fair question. But Barnes just turned 26, can play any of the Lions' three linebacker spots and can even rush the passer. There's nobody who can do what Barnes does on this roster, and he was off to a good start before he went down. They couldn't afford to let him walk without a proper replacement. LB Malcolm Rodriguez: One of the league's best reserve linebackers, Rodriguez could probably start for a number of teams in the NFL. He's got a nose for ball carriers and his wrestling background shows when he's disengaging from blockers. He's a valuable depth piece when healthy, but a torn ACL will sideline him likely through November. LB Grant Stuard: Stuard, a free agent addition from the Colts, figures to be a core special-teams player with defensive upside. He stepped in as a starter for the Colts last season and recorded 19 tackles in a game. But think of him as a Jalen Reeves-Maybin replacement. This was a Dave Fipp signing. LB Trevor Nowaske: Nowaske has the trust of defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard because he knows the responsibilities of all three linebacker spots. That's how you get on the field in this defense. He was deployed as a SAM linebacker when Barnes went down, and although his pass-rushing left a lot to be desired, he held his own. You'd just like him more in a traditional LB role. Advertisement LB Zach Cunningham: Cunningham was signed this spring, perhaps as linebacker depth with Anzalone unavailable. A second-round pick out of Vanderbilt in 2017, Cunningham has 86 career starts under his belt and offers some veteran experience. LB Ezekiel Turner: Turner was one of the linebackers added to keep things afloat last season. At one point, the Lions were without Rodriguez, Barnes, Anzalone and Reeves-Maybin. Turner was needed. After re-signing in March, he'll compete for a roster spot, but could find himself on the vet squad. LB Anthony Pittman: Pittman found his way back to Detroit after signing with the Washington Commanders last offseason. He was ultimately cut, then signed to the Jaguars' practice squad before the Lions poached him in December. He offered familiarity amid Detroit's LB chaos, and re-signed with the team this offseason. Not a roster lock, but they know what they have in him. LB Daron Gilbert: A 2024 UDFA out of Northern Illinois, Gilbert made the switch from safety in college to linebacker in the NFL. A Detroit native who played high school ball at Brother Rice, Gilbert is back for another season after he was waived injured before the end of training camp last year. Thought he had a shot at making the practice squad back then. We'll see if he can this year. CB Terrion Arnold: I'm of the opinion that it's only a matter of time until Arnold develops into a high-end cornerback. I have a ton of respect for Aaron Glenn's approach to finding corners and have talked to him about it one-on-one. He believes you need to have a short memory and a competitive mentality, in addition to the physical and athletic attributes required to play the position at a high level. Arnold has all of that. And while Glenn is no longer here, he put Arnold through the wringer as a rookie. He'll be better off because of it as a sophomore. CB D.J. Reed: Another reason I believe Arnold is due for a breakout year is Reed. Reed is going to set an unbelievable tone for Arnold. His work ethic is among the best on this roster, and that's saying something. He takes his preparation seriously and is a true professional when it comes to taking care of his body, knowing his assignments and paving the way for others. It's helped him outplay his draft slot and maximize everything he has as an undersized corner. Oh, by the way, he's been one of the most consistent players at his position for a few years now. I didn't know if the Lions would have the budget to sign a corner like Reed, but kudos to them for stepping up to get him. CB Amik Robertson: Robertson quickly settled in as the Lions' starting nickel after signing a two-year deal last offseason, and it was one of their best additions. Robertson's career has sort of mirrored the Lions' rise, so this is a match made in heaven. He's wired the right way, competes on every snap and is a consummate professional. You can't bury what comes from the dirt. Advertisement CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.: A second-round pick out of Missouri last year, Rakestraw was a standout in training camp as a rookie. He was sticky in coverage and was physical with receivers. The Lions liked him more at nickel last year, but injuries slowed him down. By the time he returned, Robertson had taken full control of that spot. This offseason, the Lions want Rakestraw to focus on cornerback, where he'll likely be the No. 3 behind Arnold and Reed. This is the sort of depth the Lions didn't have before. Expect him to continue developing behind the scenes until his number is called. DB Avonte Maddox: The Lions signed Maddox from the Eagles this offseason, and he's expected to play nickel and perhaps some safety for the team in 2025. The Detroit native has a Lions tattoo and finally found his way to his hometown team. He should back up Robertson. Curious how much safety he'll play. CB Rock Ya-Sin: Another solid depth signing was the addition of Ya-Sin. He's got 39 career starts under his belt, but is much better suited in a reserve role, which is what he'll have in Detroit. On a one-year deal, he looks like CB4 on the depth chart. Maybe CB5 if you include Robertson's positional versatility. A good spot for him. CB Khalil Dorsey: Dorsey makes the roster every year because he's Detroit's top gunner and one of Fipp's favorites. A nasty leg fracture shelved him in December, but he has a chance to be ready by training camp — if not, maybe within the first month of the season. CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver: A cornerback with 26 career games played and no starts, Thomas-Oliver signed with the Lions in December amid the injury rush and appeared in one game. He's been practicing with the team this offseason, but might just be training camp depth in a loaded room. We'll see if he can stick around in some capacity. S Kerby Joseph: An All-Pro safety, but somehow not a Pro Bowler, Joseph was one of the league's breakout stars in 2024. Ever since his rookie year, Joseph flashed glimpses of what he could eventually become, but finally put together a complete season, leading the league in interceptions and terrifying defenses as a centerfielder. Joseph is not an easy player to replace, which is why the Lions made him the league's highest-paid safety. He's a core player and his takeaways are often timely. DB Brian Branch: You could make the case for Branch as the second-most important defender on this team behind Hutchinson. He does everything. He can play in the box, blitz, cover from the slot and patrol the field deep at safety. One of the league's most versatile and instinctual defenders. Branch and the Lions can begin extension talks soon, and he has a chance to top Joseph's contract. Together, they form the league's best safety tandem. Crazy to think how far this secondary has come. Advertisement S Morice Norris: Norris, a 2024 UDFA out of Fresno State, caught my eye at times in training camp a year ago. He was physical and looked the part, but he was waived injured with a hamstring injury last August. The Lions kept him around, though, signing him to the practice squad in September and to the active roster in December. In OTAs, with some moving parts and excused absences in the secondary, Norris spent some time with the first-team defense in team periods. I'd keep an eye on him. Think he has a real shot here. S Loren Strickland: Strickland surprised many in 2024, making the Lions' initial 53-man roster as a UDFA out of Ball State. While he didn't log any defensive snaps, he was used on special teams, appearing in seven games. The question now is, can he stick around enough on special teams to earn more defensive snaps when someone goes down, and can he fend off newcomers and keep his spot? Time will tell. S Dan Jackson: The Lions drafted Jackson, a team captain at Georgia, in the seventh round this past April. He has the look of a special-teams ace who could push as a defensive reserve in due time. He's one of the biggest challengers to Strickland, and might have a leg up because of his pedigree. He's never been afraid of competition, working his way up from walk-on to key contributor on a Georgia roster that won back-to-back national championships. S Ian Kennelly: A Grand Valley State product, Kennelly signed with the Lions as a UDFA. He's got a physical presence to him at 6-foot-2, 209 pounds with a 9.06 relative athletic score. He passes the eye test. I'd like to see more of him. S Erick Hallett: A 2023 sixth-round pick out of Pitt, Hallett spent his rookie year on the Jaguars' practice squad and signed to Detroit's practice squad ahead of the 2024 season. Back in the fold as a safety, he'll have his work cut out for him to secure his spot. The Lions will let training camp dictate things. K Jake Bates: Bates' meteoric rise was one of the best stories of the 2024 season for the Lions. In need of a long-term answer at kicker, they turned to Bates — the best kicker in the UFL, starring for the local Michigan Panthers. After a bumpy training camp, Bates settled in and made 26 of his 29 attempts, including six of his eight attempts from 50 yards or more. The scary part? We might not have seen Bates' best yet. P Jack Fox: A two-time All-Pro punter, including a First-Team appearance in 2024, Fox continues to get better and better. He's a weapon for Fipp and company and his arm as a former quarterback offers a trick-play element that most punters don't have. Advertisement LB Hogan Hatten: The Lions added Hatten as a UDFA last offseason and let him battle it out with Scott Daly. Hatten emerged victorious and showed his value as an athlete on punt coverage. Only 24, the Lions could have a long-term answer at long snapper on their hands. (Top photo of Aidan Hutchinson: Andrew Dieb / Imagn Images)

Lions' D.J. Reader Shows Support for Former Teammate Trey Hendrickson
Lions' D.J. Reader Shows Support for Former Teammate Trey Hendrickson

Yahoo

time23-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Lions' D.J. Reader Shows Support for Former Teammate Trey Hendrickson

The Detroit Lions' current edge rusher situation has made them a popular landing spot for just about every high-profile edge that has even potentially been available this offseason. Just about all of those players have either signed extensions with their teams or found new homes in free agency. Advertisement There is a major exception, though. Trey Hendrickson has yet to settle his contract issues with the Cincinnati Bengals. That has made him a popular name when it comes to potential trade targets for the Lions. Detroit Lions defensive tackle D.J. ReaderKimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images While a move remains unlikely, one of their players has now chimed in on Hendrickson's situation. While speaking to the media, D.J. Reader shared his support for Hendrickson. It's been a little quieter, because he's dealing with that and you want to give him space to deal with that however he wishes to. But I'm just supportive, I think everybody should get paid what they want to get paid. You know, everybody's got opinions on what they want to get paid and if that's what you want, you've got to get after it. You know, he's a good player, plays really, really hard, led the league in sacks last year. So, I'm sure he's looking at things a certain way, and wants to get that money and they're looking at it on their end and don't want to pay him. I'm sure it'll work itself out. Reader is a former teammate of Hendrickson's. They played together with the Bengals from 2021 to 2023 before Reader joined the Lions in free agency. Hendrickson is coming off of consecutive seasons where he posted 17.5 sacks, which has put him on the wish list of just about every fanbase whose team finds themself in need of a pass rush improvement. Advertisement Now he has received support from his quarterback. He's gotten support from a former teammate. Unfortunately, he just hasn't gotten what he's looking for from the Bengals. The Lions don't seem to be the team that is going to give him what he wants, but there certainly must be a team out there who will. Related: Longtime Rival Predicts Lions Will Win NFC North Again in 2025 Related: Five Lions Ranked in Top 25 Best Players Under 25 Years Old Lions' D.J. Reader Shows Support for Former Teammate Trey Hendrickson first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 23, 2025

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