The Detroit Lions have yet to make any major upgrades to their edge-rushing corps this season, even though the position continues to stand out as one of the team’s most obvious needs. Detroit’s defense has been solid, but there’s still room for improvement in getting after opposing quarterbacks — especially if the team plans to make a legitimate Super Bowl push.
A new opportunity may be opening up, as a potential trade partner has emerged in the New Orleans Saints, who could be preparing to move on from several veteran players before the trade deadline. According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, multiple teams across the league are monitoring the struggling Saints, who have started the season with a disappointing 1-4 record.
“Teams are showing interest in some of New Orleans’ veterans and are waiting to see who could become available in the coming weeks,” Underhill reported. “The general belief around the league is that the Saints will be open to hearing trade offers.”
For Detroit, New Orleans offers several intriguing options, especially at the edge-rushing position. The Lions could also use depth in the secondary, but the only realistic target in that department would be rookie corner Kool-Aid McKinstry, who the Saints are extremely unlikely to move.
That leaves three defensive ends who could fit the Lions’ system: Carl Granderson, Chase Young, and Cameron Jordan.
Young’s name might sound enticing, but his reputation for inconsistent effort over the years doesn’t align with Dan Campbell’s hard-nosed, team-first culture in Detroit. The Lions have worked hard to build a locker room defined by toughness, accountability, and unity — making Young a poor fit despite his talent.
Granderson, however, looks like the most appealing of the three. At 28 years old, he’s entering the prime of his career and already has 4.5 sacks on the season, which ties him for seventh in the entire NFL. Even more appealing, he’s under contract through 2027, making him more than just a one-year rental. The question is whether the Saints would actually be willing to move him, as he’s still young enough to be part of their long-term core if they hope to rebound in the next couple of seasons.
Then there’s Cameron Jordan, the veteran leader and eight-time Pro Bowler who remains a steady contributor despite no longer being in his prime. Jordan has 2.5 sacks so far this year and brings experience, leadership, and reliability — all traits that would fit seamlessly into Detroit’s culture. Financially, he makes sense too, as he’ll be a free agent in 2026, though his current deal carries four void years, which could complicate trade negotiations.
If Detroit does decide to make a move before the deadline, Jordan appears to be the most realistic target. Still, with general manager Brad Holmes showing patience so far this season, fans shouldn’t expect a desperate push. The Lions will only act if they truly believe an edge-rush upgrade could be the final piece in their championship puzzle.
