SWAP DEAL: Lions-Browns Draft Day Trade Could Land Rising Quarterback in Cleveland
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions remain one of the more unpredictable teams holding a late first-round selection. Slotted at No. 28 overall, general manager Brad Holmes is known for making unconventional moves — a trend that continues in Nate Davis’s latest projection for USA TODAY.
Potential Swap: Browns Target Quarterback, Lions Move Down
Davis envisions the Cleveland Browns jumping up the draft board to snag Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at pick No. 28, bypassing several teams to secure their potential quarterback of the future. This would mark a clear turning point for the franchise, signaling the conclusion of the Deshaun Watson era.
According to Davis, Dart may not be NFL-ready right out of the gate, but Cleveland could ease him into the role behind veterans like Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett, giving him time to adjust.
Detroit Gains Draft Assets in Return
For the Lions, this trade-down scenario could be a strategic win. Without a fifth-round selection and with various needs across the depth chart, Detroit could benefit from acquiring additional picks while staying in the first round.
Given the strength of their roster and the stability provided by Jared Goff at quarterback, the Lions aren’t pressed to make an immediate-impact selection at No. 28. Dropping a few slots would still give them access to prospects at key positions — such as guard, edge rusher, or wide receiver — and improve their Day 2 draft flexibility.
Final Thoughts
While speculative, this trade proposal offers a plausible path forward for both franchises. Detroit could stockpile more draft capital without a significant drop-off in value, and Cleveland could secure a fresh start at quarterback with Dart. It’s the kind of deal that, while hypothetical, feels grounded in real possibility.
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Lions Could Trade First-Round Pick to Browns, Opening Door for QB Shift in Cleveland
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions remain one of the more unpredictable teams holding a late first-round selection. Slotted at No. 28 overall, general manager Brad Holmes is known for making unconventional moves — a trend that continues in Nate Davis’s latest projection for USA TODAY.
Potential Swap: Browns Target Quarterback, Lions Move Down
Davis envisions the Cleveland Browns jumping up the draft board to snag Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at pick No. 28, bypassing several teams to secure their potential quarterback of the future. This would mark a clear turning point for the franchise, signaling the conclusion of the Deshaun Watson era.
According to Davis, Dart may not be NFL-ready right out of the gate, but Cleveland could ease him into the role behind veterans like Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett, giving him time to adjust.
Detroit Gains Draft Assets in Return
For the Lions, this trade-down scenario could be a strategic win. Without a fifth-round selection and with various needs across the depth chart, Detroit could benefit from acquiring additional picks while staying in the first round.
Given the strength of their roster and the stability provided by Jared Goff at quarterback, the Lions aren’t pressed to make an immediate-impact selection at No. 28. Dropping a few slots would still give them access to prospects at key positions — such as guard, edge rusher, or wide receiver — and improve their Day 2 draft flexibility.
Final Thoughts
While speculative, this trade proposal offers a plausible path forward for both franchises. Detroit could stockpile more draft capital without a significant drop-off in value, and Cleveland could secure a fresh start at quarterback with Dart. It’s the kind of deal that, while hypothetical, feels grounded in real possibility.
