As the Detroit Lions prepare for the upcoming NFL season, one of their lingering roster concerns remains the need for a capable pass rusher to support Aidan Hutchinson off the edge.
It’s the NFL offseason, a time when media members, including this one, dive deep into trade scenarios and roster projections. While none of these moves are guaranteed, exploring potential deals sparks excitement and conversation among fans.
Detroit isn’t necessarily in desperation mode at edge rusher—general manager Brad Holmes hasn’t publicly sounded the alarm—but adding depth at the position certainly wouldn’t hurt.
With training camp looming just months away, one NFL writer has floated a trade concept aimed at boosting the Lions’ pass-rushing unit.
Trade Pitch: Epenesa to Detroit, Reader to Buffalo
Mike Payton of A to Z Sports recently proposed a swap: the Lions would acquire edge rusher A.J. Epenesa from the Buffalo Bills, while defensive tackle DJ Reader would head the other direction.
In his article, Payton mentions there’s still an outside chance Detroit could reunite with veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, though that move hasn’t materialized. Smith remains one of the top unsigned pass rushers and could be on speed dial for many teams once injuries start piling up during the season.
Payton acknowledges that dealing Reader may seem surprising—especially since Alim McNeill isn’t currently available—but he points out that Detroit has considerable depth along the interior defensive line. Even Holmes has admitted as much.
From a financial standpoint, moving Reader would free up $11.6 million in immediate cap space. However, the Lions would still carry $3.6 million in dead cap next year due to signing bonus obligations from the void years on Reader’s deal triggered back in March.
Payton summarizes the trade idea as a “low-risk” move that, while unlikely to deliver massive upside, could provide helpful returns.
Evaluating the Trade Concept
Brad Berreman from SideLion Report weighed in on the proposed deal, giving it a modest C- grade. According to Berreman, putting Reader on the trade block isn’t a far-fetched idea. Though Reader was graded respectably by Pro Football Focus—36th among 118 defensive tackles—his overall impact in Detroit last season was underwhelming.
Berreman also points out that, with time running out, the window for the Lions to make a major addition at edge rusher has probably closed. Any realistic trade ideas now have to factor that in.
Ultimately, if this trade—or anything like it—doesn’t happen, the Lions will likely head into the new season with limited depth at the edge spot. Protecting Hutchinson and keeping him healthy will be crucial as Detroit aims to build on last season’s success.
