The Detroit Lions made a significant move for their defensive line this offseason, signing veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport, hoping to finally provide a pass-rushing partner for Aidan Hutchinson, a need they’ve had for two years.
However, Davenport is now out for the season with an elbow injury, prompting one analyst to suggest the Lions explore the trade market for a replacement. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggested the Lions could target disgruntled New York Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick, who is a prime candidate to be traded before this season’s deadline.
Reddick has yet to play for the Jets due to a contract dispute, fueling growing speculation that the Jets may decide to part ways with him.
Lions Could Replace Marcus Davenport
Holder pointed out that the Lions might need to make a bold move to cover for Davenport, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve on September 24 with a torn tricep.
“Marcus Davenport is out for the season, which is a major blow to the Lions since he was expected to be the defense’s second edge defender and alleviate some pressure off Aidan Hutchinson,” Holder wrote in a September 30 article. “That leaves a big gap, so the front office should see if it can make a deal with the Jets.”
Holder also noted that Reddick’s contract situation aligns with Detroit’s long-term edge rusher plans. Reddick is in the final year of his three-year, $45 million contract.
“While Reddick wants a contract extension before playing, Davenport is on a one-year deal, so edge rusher will be a need for Detroit in the offseason anyway,” Holder wrote. “This could be a solution that addresses both immediate and future needs.”
Other analysts see the Lions as a top destination for Reddick. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggested that Detroit, along with the Arizona Cardinals, would be prime landing spots. Knox echoed Holder in proposing Reddick as a likely replacement for Davenport, helping resolve an area of concern for the Lions.
“Bringing in Reddick would provide Detroit with a quality complement to Aidan Hutchinson and help solidify a defense that showed vulnerability against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4,” Knox wrote.
While the Lions haven’t publicly shown interest in Reddick, the team began the season with Super Bowl hopes, which could lead to urgency in replacing Davenport and strengthening the defense.
More Options for Lions
While a trade for Reddick may happen later, Jimmy Liao of USA Today’s Lions Wire proposed a more immediate solution for the Lions to fill Davenport’s role.
“Signed to a one-year contract as a free agent, the Lions hoped Davenport would secure the edge position opposite Aidan Hutchinson,” Liao wrote. “With Davenport out, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and James Houston will have more opportunities.”
The Lions have struggled to establish a consistent pass rush outside of Hutchinson, who has 6.5 of the team’s 11 total sacks this season. Onwuzurike follows with 1.5 sacks, while no other player has more than one.
