It’s officially NFL Draft week, and things are heating up fast—especially for the Detroit Lions, who hold the 28th overall pick. With quarterback-needy teams lurking just outside the first round, Detroit could be in prime position to slide back a few spots and scoop up some extra picks.
Names like the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and even the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly in the mix, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The thinking? One of those teams might try to jump back into the first round to snag a QB before Cleveland (picking at No. 33) gets their shot.
Here are four possible trade-back deals that could work out well for the Lions:
1. Trade Back 6 Spots With the Giants
Lions get: Pick 34 and Pick 105
Giants get: Pick 28
It’s a simple move. Detroit drops six spots and grabs an early fourth-rounder. That extra pick could be ammo to move around on Day 2 if needed—something GM Brad Holmes has done before.
2. Add a Future Pick With the Giants
Lions get: Pick 34, Pick 154, and a 2026 sixth-rounder
Giants get: Pick 28 and Pick 228
This one fills a gap on Day 3 and adds a little insurance for next year’s draft. Not flashy, but solid value.
3. Drop 12 Spots With the Saints
Lions get: Pick 40, Pick 184, and a 2026 third-round pick
Saints get: Pick 28 and Pick 228
This trade is more about the future. Detroit would get a valuable third-rounder next year and still stay in range to grab a quality player in Round 2.
4. Go Big With Future Value
Lions get: Pick 40 and a 2026 second-round pick
Saints get: Pick 28
If Brad Holmes doesn’t love what he sees on the board at 28, this is a great chance to stockpile picks for 2026 while only dropping 12 spots this year.
As for the Steelers? They’re likely out of the picture for now—they already shipped their second-rounder to Seattle in the DK Metcalf deal.
So, Lions fans: would you rather stay put or move back and stack some extra picks? The options are on the table.
