Detroit fans, buckle up — insiders are now pointing to what may become Detroit’s biggest trade-deadline priority, and it might surprise you. The buzz suggests that for all the talk about reinforcements, one area above all needs serious attention: adding a top-tier edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Why Everyone’s Talking Edge Rush
On paper, the Lions look well off up front with Hutchinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Marcus Davenport, and others. But digging deeper shows cracks:
Despite the depth, none have consistently matched Hutchinson’s explosion or sustained pressure. Insider trade proposals and analytical projections are pegging that gap as Detroit’s most glaring weakness heading into the second half.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has floated deals involving established pass rushers like Trey Hendrickson — pitches that suggest Detroit would be wise to buy now rather than wait.
PFF recently listed Hendrickson among the “likely trade targets” for Detroit, citing his elite pass-rush grade and how he could make a scary duo with Hutchinson.
Analytics back it up: Detroit ranks relatively low when rushing just four pass rushers (i.e. without sending extra blitzes). The margin between elite and average in the NFL is razor-thin, and if you’re a team hoping to go deep in January, you absolutely need a dynamic second pass rusher.
In short — yes, they have bodies up front. But can those bodies win one-on-one battles consistently? Can they change games? That’s what insiders are betting on.
What Makes This Need “Surprising”
Why does this surprise some fans? Because more visible “weak spots” like secondary depth or guard play tend to get attention. But here’s why the edge rusher need is trending to the top:
1. Hidden impact – pass rush affects everything: pressures create turnovers, collapse pockets, free up the secondary.
2. Scarcity of elite options – true impact rushers are rare, and many are locked into contracts. If you miss your window, the market dries up.
3. Supporting your foundation – with Hutchinson as your rock, you don’t want the defense to feel lopsided. A partner gives the front four balance.
What the Lions Should Do
If I were in Brad Holmes’s shoes, here’s the strategy:
Scout top edge trade candidates now — don’t wait until the final days.
Prioritize players who can rush from day one — even if it costs more in picks or cash.
Balance contract demands — shorter deals might be wise if you’re also budgeting for your young stars.
Don’t neglect interior D-line and secondary — fix the edge first, then shore up the rest.
If Detroit does swing hard for an edge rusher before the deadline, it signals they’re all in on contending this year — and not just waiting for the postseason to begin.
Insider Reveals: The Surprising Top Need the Lions Must Address Before Trade Deadline
