The Detroit Lions had a strong and determined 2024 season, finishing as the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Despite their impressive regular season, the Lions were stunned in the divisional playoffs by the Washington Commanders. Despite a raucous home crowd, the Lions struggled with a series of defensive injuries and couldn’t keep up with the Commanders’ offense, ultimately losing 45-31.
While Detroit’s GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell are hopeful for better health in 2025, they can’t rely solely on the injury recovery of key players like Aidan Hutchinson, Carlton Davis, Khalil Dorsey, Alim McNeil, Kyle Peko, and Marcus Davenport. To strengthen their defense for next season, the Lions should look to trade for two defensive players before they hit free agency: Josh Sweat from the Philadelphia Eagles and Rasul Douglas from the Buffalo Bills.
Both players will be free agents in March 2025, and the Lions could acquire them at a reasonable price before they enter the open market. These two acquisitions could significantly bolster the Lions’ defense. Sweat, a linebacker who excels at rushing the passer, recorded 8 sacks, 41 tackles, and 9 tackles for loss in 2024. Pairing him with Hutchinson would give Detroit a dynamic pass-rushing duo that would improve their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Additionally, the Lions’ pass defense was exposed at times during the 2024 season, especially in losses to teams like the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. Rasul Douglas, who played well after being traded to the Bills from Green Bay in 2023, could help shore up their secondary. In 2024, he recorded 58 tackles and 5 passes defensed. While he didn’t have any interceptions last season, Douglas has a history of creating turnovers, having intercepted 5 passes in two separate seasons.
Acquiring both Sweat and Douglas could significantly improve Detroit’s defense and position them as an even stronger contender in 2025.
