Lions Eye Potential Trade for $51 Million Edge Rusher
The Detroit Lions have a clear goal this offseason—bolstering their defense by securing additional support for star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Despite Hutchinson’s standout performances, his season-ending leg injury last year exposed the team’s lack of depth at the edge rusher position. After his absence, the Lions struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, with no other player managing to record more than four sacks for the season.
Now, one analyst believes Detroit could find the reinforcement they need through a trade involving a talented pass rusher in need of a fresh start.
Proposed Trade With the Eagles
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently examined several potential trade scenarios across the NFL and identified the Philadelphia Eagles as a possible trade partner for Detroit. He suggested that the Lions could acquire Bryce Huff in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Moton pointed out that while the Eagles awarded Huff a three-year, $51 million contract last offseason, his impact on the field was limited due to injuries and inconsistent play. This has led to speculation that Philadelphia might be open to moving on from him after just one season.
“Huff missed five games due to injuries and had minimal production when available, finishing with 13 tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble,” Moton explained.
Additionally, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio didn’t heavily feature Huff in the game plan. He played more than 47% of defensive snaps in only three of his 12 appearances and was notably absent for Super Bowl LIX.
Given the Lions’ need for a proven pass rusher to complement Hutchinson, Moton argued that Huff could be a valuable addition to Detroit’s defensive front.
“The Lions lack a consistent edge rusher outside of Aidan Hutchinson,” Moton noted. “They have yet to re-sign Za’Darius Smith, and 2022 second-round pick Josh Paschal has struggled to meet expectations. While Marcus Davenport re-signed with the team, injuries have limited him to only six games over the past two seasons.
“In Detroit, Huff could step into a starting role opposite Hutchinson and provide an immediate boost to the pass rush.”
Alternative Plans for Strengthening the Defense
If the Lions decide against a trade, they could explore other routes to upgrade their pass rush. Josh Edwards of CBS Sports suggested that Detroit could use its No. 28 overall pick in the draft to select Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart.
While Stewart possesses elite physical traits, his on-field production has been inconsistent. However, Edwards believes Detroit could be an ideal landing spot for him to develop his skills while playing alongside Hutchinson.
“Shemar Stewart has remarkable athletic ability for a player of his size,” Edwards wrote. “Though his production hasn’t matched his potential, joining the Lions would allow him to grow without the immediate pressure of being the team’s primary pass rusher, thanks to the presence of Hutchinson.”
Conclusion
With a clear need for defensive reinforcements, the Lions have multiple options to consider. Whether they trade for Bryce Huff or draft a promising young edge rusher like Stewart, Detroit appears focused on ensuring Hutchinson gets the help he needs to elevate the defense next season.
