Right here Are 5 Trade Targets Who Might Rescue Their Season

The Detroit Lions are in a tough place defensively after placing starter Marcus Davenport on injured reserve hours earlier than their Week 3 Monday Night Football sport towards the Baltimore Ravens.

With depth already shallow at defensive finish, the staff is now buying on the NFL commerce market to strengthen its move rush.

Lions’ Defensive End Dilemma

The Lions’ line of defense has suffered a number of blows in the previous few weeks. Levi Onwuzurike is misplaced for the season, rookie Ahmed Hassanein was reduce with an damage, and Josh Paschal continues to be on the reserve/non-football damage listing.

Consequently, veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad will seemingly fill in together with Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit Free Press stories. Muhammad, who signed with the Lions final yr, recorded three sacks in 9 video games in 2024 and had one sack together with 5 pressures in Week 2 towards Chicago.

Possible Trade Targets of Detroit

Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins

The former first-round choice flashed early in his profession with 15.5 sacks as a rookie and sophomore. Injuries have clipped him currently, nonetheless. Since Miami is struggling at 0-3 and Phillips is coming into the final yr of his rookie contract, Detroit would possibly view him as a younger, high-upside goal.

Phillips can also be a possible goal of the San Francisco 49ers after Nick Bosa sustained an damage throughout Week 3, in line with Newsweek.

Denico Autry, Houston Texans

Currently sidelined on the PUP listing with a knee drawback, Denico Autry has been a gradual move rusher for a number of groups, together with Oakland, Indianapolis, and Tennessee. His 62 profession sacks and veteran management would possibly present a short-term carry to Detroit if he is wholesome.

Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Saints

An eight-time Pro Bowler, Cam Jordan has performed his entire profession in New Orleans, the place Lions coach Dan Campbell as soon as was an assistant. Although his manufacturing has declined in recent times, his management and information of Campbell would possibly make him a invaluable signing for a playoff run.

Matthew Judon, Miami Dolphins

Lions beforehand confirmed curiosity in Matthew Judon earlier than his signing with Miami final August. A four-Pro Bowler and 72-career sack deal with, Judon additionally traces his roots to Michigan, enjoying for Grand Valley State and West Bloomfield High School. If Miami considers buying and selling him, Detroit could be open to revisiting that negotiation.

Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals

Trey Hendrickson requested a commerce earlier this yr earlier than selecting a revised one-year deal. Coming off back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons and a runner-up end in 2024 Defensive Player of the Year voting, he could be a game-changing addition. However, given Cincinnati’s playoff hopes, this transfer feels unlikely except the Bengals collapse with out Joe Burrow.

Weighing the Lions’ Next Move

The Lions have cap room to work with and a urgent must strengthen their defensive entrance. Though youthful prospects corresponding to Phillips can promise long-term potential, veterans like Jordan or Autry can provide management and depth instantly.

In the tip, basic supervisor Brad Holmes has to weigh short-term success towards long-term prosperity. If the Lions execute a blockbuster commerce or accept a strong veteran presence, the following couple of weeks would possibly determine how aggressive Detroit is in a good NFC playoff image.