BREAKING NEWS:Detroit Lions Pressed to Swing Huge Trade to Fill Glaring Hole
The Detroit Lions are no strangers to being in the spotlight for both their successes and their struggles, but in 2025, a glaring need on their roster has made them the focus of trade rumors. With an offseason full of promise and a team that showed serious potential last year, the Lions find themselves in a situation where a significant trade could be the solution to a weakness that threatens to derail their ambitions in the upcoming season. This is the exact moment when they need to make bold decisions to secure their place as contenders, and a major trade could be just what the team needs to solidify their aspirations.
The Need for a Big Move
The Lions’ roster has seen substantial improvement over the last few seasons under head coach Dan Campbell. The team’s offense has become more explosive, led by the talented quarterback Jared Goff and a dynamic receiving corps. The defense, too, has shown signs of improvement, especially with the addition of key players in recent drafts. However, despite these strides, the team has one glaring hole that has many pundits suggesting the Lions should consider making a huge trade to fill it: the defensive line, particularly at the edge rusher position.
While Detroit’s defensive front has solid pieces, they still lack a true, game-changing edge rusher who can consistently pressure the quarterback. Without a top-tier pass rusher, the Lions’ defense struggles to generate the type of pressure needed to disrupt opposing offenses, especially against high-powered teams in the NFC North and beyond. Last season, Detroit’s defense ranked in the middle of the league in sacks, and without a dominant force on the edge, they were often unable to close out games or apply consistent pressure to quarterbacks in crucial moments.
In the modern NFL, a premier edge rusher is often the difference between a playoff team and a mediocre one. The Lions’ defensive line could certainly use that final piece to elevate their defense to the next level, and while free agency could offer a temporary solution, a trade for a proven pass rusher might be the most effective and immediate way to shore up their defense.
Potential Trade Targets
With the draft behind them and the free agency market no longer as fertile, the Lions now find themselves looking to the trade market for a potential fix. Several high-profile players are reportedly on the trade block or have expressed interest in moving on from their current teams, making the idea of swinging a big trade more plausible. Below are a few potential trade targets that the Lions could pursue:
1. Chase Young (Washington Commanders)
Chase Young is one of the most coveted pass rushers in the NFL. After an injury-plagued start to his career, Young has been slowly returning to his dominant form and could be a game-changer for the Lions. His blend of size, speed, and ability to collapse the pocket would give Detroit an immediate upgrade on the defensive line. While the Washington Commanders may still be reluctant to part with him, a package of picks and players could convince them to trade the former No. 2 overall pick.
2. Bradley Chubb (Miami Dolphins)
Bradley Chubb has been a reliable edge rusher throughout his career, and after a midseason trade to the Miami Dolphins last year, he would certainly be an interesting target for the Lions. The Dolphins have a stacked defense with multiple star players, and they might be willing to part with Chubb if the right deal came along. Chubb has the ability to put consistent pressure on quarterbacks, which could be a huge boost to Detroit’s pass rush.
3. Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders)
Maxx Crosby has been one of the most underappreciated pass rushers in the NFL, but his ability to generate sacks and pressure quarterbacks cannot be overstated. The Raiders, who are in a rebuilding phase, may be willing to move on from their star defensive end in exchange for a hefty haul of draft capital. Crosby’s relentless motor and ability to close down the pocket would immediately improve Detroit’s defensive front.
4. T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Though the Pittsburgh Steelers are unlikely to part with their star edge rusher, T.J. Watt would be the ultimate acquisition for Detroit. If the Steelers’ front office gets into a situation where they need to retool and are willing to trade a superstar, the Lions could pounce. Watt’s ability to change the course of a game with his pass rush and versatility would make him a perfect fit in Detroit’s defensive system.
The Cost of a Trade
The cost of acquiring a top-tier pass rusher will not come cheap. The Lions would likely have to give up at least one first-round pick, along with potentially additional draft picks and players, to land a big name. However, given their current competitive window and the lack of immediate, high-end talent at edge rusher in the draft or free agency, it could be worth the investment.
The Lions’ front office will need to weigh the short-term gain of acquiring a proven star against the long-term potential of maintaining draft capital and player development. However, in the fast-paced, ever-evolving NFL, waiting for the perfect draft prospect may not always be the best strategy—especially when a team is on the cusp of breaking through into the playoff picture.
The Bottom Line
As the Lions prepare for the 2025 season, the window of opportunity to make a serious run at the NFC Championship is wide open. The offense has the potential to be explosive, but without a consistent pass rush, the defense could hold the team back. This is why a trade for a premier edge rusher is critical.
While the Lions have made strides in their rebuild, making the leap into true contender status requires bold moves, and swinging for a top-tier pass rusher would be just that. With a strategic trade, the Lions could elevate their defense and give themselves the best chance to make noise in the postseason. It’s time for Detroit to make a big move—one that could finally push them over the edge and into the ranks of NFL elite teams.
