Tuesday marks the NFL’s annual trade deadline, making it the last day the Detroit Lions could add outside help via the trade market for the remainder of the 2024 season.
The consensus biggest need for the Lions is at the edge rusher position, as they have already lost two players to season-ending injuries at that position. As a result, the Lions could modernize.
Here are 10 defensive players the Lions could trade for at the trade deadline.
BY Maxx Crosby
Crosby is the most popular trade target among Lions fans, and the connections are obvious. He played at Eastern Michigan, so there’s a local tie. He is also one of the best in the league at the position, so he would be a great addition.
However, it seems unlikely that the Raiders would be willing to trade him as things currently stand. Detroit’s last hope in this race could be a loss in Las Vegas to Cincinnati this weekend, which could prompt them to become sellers. Still, the cost wouldn’t be cheap and the ask to acquire Crosby would be a steep price.
BY Za’Darius Smith
Smith has been a player linked to the Lions, and reports indicate the current asking price is a Day 3 early draft pick. This could be a workable move for Detroit, one that would require a capable runner with an extra year of team control.
The 32-year-old has been very productive for the Cleveland Browns this season. He has plenty of experience in the NFC North playing for the Packers and Vikings, and has previously said he would welcome a trade to Detroit for the opportunity to face his former teams.
OLB Azeez Ojulari
In a report from ESPN this week, Ojulari was named alongside Smith as potential targets for the Lions. He’s built more in the outside linebacker mold than a traditional edge rusher, but he still brings that skill set that the Lions currently covet.
Ojulari is a young option who would come on loan in the final year of his rookie contract. He could reinvigorate Detroit’s defense with super speed and could become the team’s SAM linebacker with his abilities.
BY Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney is an intriguing veteran with plenty of track record. The No. 1 overall pick in 2014, he still possesses many of the same talents that made him so coveted as a young player. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, he bounced around in recent years before landing in Carolina this season.
Although he only has one sack this season, a review of his tape indicates he can still get around the edge and impact the quarterback. With the Panthers struggling, the move to a contending team could also be an invigorating factor.
CBJack Jones
Jones was named as a potential trade target by Sports Illustrated, in which writer Gilberto Manzano suggested the Lions send a fourth-round pick to the Raiders in exchange for the cornerback.
The Lions cornerback room was overhauled last offseason with the additions of Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw and Amik Robertson. With so many new additions, the unit as a whole is steadily improving. Adding Jones would give the Lions even more depth in the secondary.
BY Trey Hendrickson
Like Crosby, Hendrickson is a premier player who would come at a cost. However, his situation could also be affected by the outcome of Sunday’s Raiders-Bengals game. Hendrickson had already requested a trade during the offseason and the Bengals’ struggles this season may not have helped matters.
Hendrickson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2017, so there is some familiarity with Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn. He would be a strong candidate and have another year of team control, so the potential duo of him and Aidan Hutchinson would be exciting next season.
DE/OLB Emmanuel Ogbah
Another veteran option is Ogbah, who spent the last five years in Miami. He has two sacks this year, but would provide a consistent veteran presence with some ability to torment opposing passers with pressures as well.
Ogbah is another player who could be acquired with a late-round pick, which would allow Holmes to avoid parting with significant and significant draft capital.
DT/DE Calais Campbell
Campbell is nearing the end of his career at age 38 and could look to make an impact in the playoffs. The Dolphins have had their ups and downs this season, and with their playoff fate uncertain, he could be looking for a new opportunity.
While Campbell doesn’t have game-changing skills at this point in his career, he would be a reliable veteran with positional versatility and could also help inside with a group that has dealt with injuries in recent weeks .
Arden OLB Key
Key had a nice showing against the Lions in an otherwise tough outing for Tennessee. With two sacks, he made a case for reuniting with former Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams in Detroit.
The veteran is another productive option with passing prowess. He also possesses versatility that allows him to take advantage as a defensive end in addition to his normal linebacker responsibilities.
BY Chase Young
The list is rounded out by Young, who was a popular trade option a season ago as the Lions were thought to be looking for a running mate for Hutchinson. Young is once again an intriguing option for his potential.
The Ohio State product was the No. 2 overall pick coming out of college in 2020 and has elite talent, but injuries have been a factor in his career. Young has big-time potential, and a deal for him could prove to be a bargain.
