By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions are sitting comfortably after a convincing 24-9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, improving their record to 5-2. Detroit continues to look like one of the NFC’s most complete teams. Their upcoming bye week couldn’t be timed better, giving the roster a chance to recover and allowing key injured players such as Kerby Joseph, Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, and Marcus Davenport time to heal.
As the NFL trade deadline nears, the natural question arises: will the Lions try to strengthen their already talented roster for a deeper postseason run? With a clear path to the NFC North crown and even a potential top playoff seed, many wonder if general manager Brad Holmes will pull the trigger on another deal.
Last season, Detroit made headlines at the deadline when they acquired veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns for a fifth- and sixth-round pick. At the time, the Lions were desperate for pass-rush help after Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport both went down with season-ending injuries. Smith provided a timely spark to their defense and became a valuable contributor down the stretch.
This season, Detroit has dealt with defensive injuries again, particularly in the secondary. Against Tampa Bay, they played without all four starters at cornerback and safety. However, unlike last year’s more serious setbacks, these injuries are viewed as temporary.
“The good news is that we are going to start to get a lot of players back,” said head coach Dan Campbell. “You are going to see players start to come back over the next month, so that is encouraging.”
He added, “While we are only getting better and better, we are going to start getting some of our players back, too.”
The returns are already beginning. Terrion Arnold has resumed practice, Brian Branch has served his suspension, D.J. Reed will be eligible to come off injured reserve by Week 10, and Kerby Joseph’s knee issue isn’t considered long-term. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is also nearing a comeback from an ACL tear, joining Davenport on the list of expected returnees.
Lions don’t need a desperate deadline move
Considering those developments, it’s becoming clear the Lions don’t feel the same urgency to make a major move this year. Their offense has been one of the league’s most balanced units, leaving no glaring needs on that side of the ball. On defense, most holes should close once the starters return. After all, the backup secondary delivered a strong performance against Tampa Bay, giving the coaching staff plenty of confidence in their depth.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Lions have been “making calls, looking for an edge rusher,” but she also noted that this year’s trade market is expected to be quieter than last season’s. Teams are holding on tightly to their top players, leaving fewer quality options available.
If the Lions do pursue a pass rusher, their realistic choices appear limited. The Las Vegas Raiders have already told Michigan native Maxx Crosby he isn’t being traded, while the Cincinnati Bengals reportedly have no intention of moving Trey Hendrickson, believing they can still contend this year.
Miami’s Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, Tennessee’s Arden Key, and the New York Jets’ Jermaine Johnson have all been rumored as potential targets. However, Chubb’s massive contract — which runs through 2027 — makes him an unlikely fit, and Johnson is still on his rookie deal as a former first-round pick. It’s hard to see the Jets letting him go.
That leaves Phillips and Key as the most attainable names. Both are on expiring contracts, and their teams may soon enter rebuilding phases — which could make them tradeable assets.
Another factor that complicates things is Detroit’s draft capital. Without a 2026 third-round pick, the Lions’ next available selections — their fourth- and fifth-rounders — carry extra importance. Trading one or both to rent a short-term player would contradict Holmes’ long-term team-building philosophy.
Realistically, the Lions may view their returning injured players as their true “deadline additions.” The defense’s overall health is trending upward, and unlike last year, there’s no panic in Allen Park. Detroit appears poised to stay patient, relying on its improving depth rather than chasing a splashy trade.
So, while fans might be hoping for another big move, the truth is the Lions probably don’t need one. The team’s focus remains on continuity, health, and maintaining the chemistry that’s gotten them here — all of which might be far more valuable than any short-term rental could provide.