By Mummy Grace 
Paschal was taken in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with high expectations. Yet three seasons in, he hasn’t delivered the impact the Lions hoped for. Despite starting 10 games last season — the most of his career — Paschal managed just two sacks, five tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits across 548 snaps. Pro Football Focus wasn’t impressed either, grading him at 54.5 overall and a dismal 48 in pass rushing, ranking him among the lowest-performing edge defenders in the league.
While he’s been respectable in defending the run, earning a 62.5 grade, Paschal hasn’t shown the growth needed to become a reliable starter. And with Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport returning from injury, plus rumors swirling about a possible reunion with veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, Paschal’s window in Detroit may have closed.
Trading Paschal before training camp would make sense for both sides. Detroit could use the opportunity to strengthen a secondary that struggled mightily last year, ranking 30th in passing yards allowed per game. Meanwhile, Paschal could get a fresh start elsewhere, possibly carving out a bigger role in a system better suited to his skills.
At this point, it’s time for the Lions to act decisively. Moving on from Paschal now would help them get value in return instead of risking losing him for nothing later.