The Detroit Lions are actively seeking to fill the void left by star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who has been sidelined for the season due to a broken leg. Fortunately for the Lions, they have until the NFL trade deadline on November 5 to explore potential deals.
According to Athlon Sports’ Chris Licata, one intriguing candidate for Detroit is Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack. Acquiring Mack would require the Lions to part with fourth- and seventh-round picks in the 2025 draft. Mack, an eight-time Pro Bowler and the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year, is currently in the final year of a $19 million contract and will become a free agent in 2025.
Despite only registering 2.5 sacks this season after a career-high 17 last year, Mack remains a valuable asset. Licata points out the urgent need for the Lions to find a significant replacement for Hutchinson, as no other defender on the team has surpassed 19 quarterback pressures—Hutchinson had 45 in just five games.
At 33, Mack continues to impact games, leading the Chargers with 22 pressures and coming off two consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.