The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, with just two more weeks before teams decide how to proceed with their rosters.
Some contenders will look to strengthen weak areas in preparation for a playoff run, while struggling teams may offload veteran players to accumulate draft picks.
The wide receiver market has already seen movement, with the Raiders trading Davante Adams to the Jets, followed by Amari Cooper going to the Bills. Early Wednesday, the Chiefs added DeAndre Hopkins to their roster after injuries to Rashee Rice and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
The Detroit Lions, sitting at 5-1 and leading the NFC North after a win over the Vikings, are expected to be active at the deadline.
While their offense has been clicking, with Jared Goff emerging as an MVP candidate, their defense has been inconsistent. A major setback occurred when star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending broken leg against the Cowboys.
Despite this, the Lions are still Super Bowl contenders and may look to make moves before the Nov. 5 deadline to solidify their roster for the playoffs.
Here are two trades the Lions should target as they look to improve for the NFC playoff race.
Add Pass Rush Help to Replace Aidan Hutchinson
Several teams falling out of playoff contention could offer a star pass rusher to the Lions for the right price. The most obvious option is Maxx Crosby of the Raiders, who could significantly boost Detroit’s pass rush.
With the Raiders trading Davante Adams and dealing with injuries, they’re clearly sellers. They could fetch a substantial return for Crosby, potentially including multiple first-round picks.
If the Lions land Crosby, they’d acquire a durable and elite pass rusher, as he’s played nearly every game in his career and recorded 33.5 sacks in 40 games since 2022. He also led the NFL in tackles for loss the last two seasons.
Another option is Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, although it seems unlikely the Browns will trade him. Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has recorded double-digit sacks in each of the past six seasons and is a five-time All-Pro.
If the Lions want a less risky option, they could target Azeez Ojulari of the Giants or Josh Uche of the Patriots. Either way, pass rush help is the Lions’ top priority at the deadline.
Find Another Cornerback to Enhance Their Aggressive Defense
The Lions made significant moves to improve their cornerback group this offseason, signing Carlton Davis III and drafting Terrion Arnold. As a result, their defense has improved.
However, adding another reliable outside corner could take their secondary to the next level. The Lions play man coverage on over 40% of opponents’ dropbacks, one of the highest rates in the league, but it has been inconsistent. Arnold, though promising, is one of the most penalized cornerbacks in the NFL.
Most of the solid young cornerbacks on bad teams, like Christian Gonzalez in New England and Jaycee Horn in Carolina, are likely unavailable. However, one intriguing option is Denzel Ward of the Browns.
Ward, in his seventh season, leads the NFL in pass breakups (12) and has 15 career interceptions. With the Browns sitting at 1-6 and losing Deshaun Watson for the season, Ward might be available at a more affordable price than the elite pass rushers on the market. He’d fit seamlessly into the Lions’ defense.
