During his press conference at the NFL Combine, Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes seemed to rule out the possibility of the team pursuing a trade for a top-tier edge rusher this offseason. With key contract extensions for several young players on the horizon, it may be challenging for the Lions to free up the necessary funds for such a move, even though their cap situation for this year is relatively solid.
Despite the obstacles and the apparent reluctance to make a big move, a new trade proposal has emerged that could bring a five-time Pro Bowler to Detroit. In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport suggested a potential trade where the Lions could acquire Los Angeles Chargers’ edge rusher Joey Bosa in exchange for their fourth-round draft pick.
Bosa, who has had an underwhelming few seasons, has struggled with injuries. In 2022, he appeared in only five games, recording just 2.5 sacks and 10 total tackles. His 2023 performance was slightly improved, playing in nine games and accumulating 6.5 sacks. However, this past season, Bosa managed only five sacks in 14 games, ranking fifth on the Chargers’ defense. It’s been some time since he was among the NFL’s elite pass rushers.
This decline in performance, combined with his injury history, is likely why Bosa might be available for a relatively low cost, like a fourth-round pick. Nevertheless, given his struggles and lack of consistency, the Lions should be cautious about taking on his potential. While a one-year contract means there’s minimal financial risk, the team could find more cost-effective and productive alternatives in free agency. These options would likely be healthier and more reliable than Bosa. Therefore, despite the star power his name carries, Bosa is not the right target for the Lions this offseason.
