By Sunday 
At 4–2, the Detroit Lions are sitting comfortably in the NFC North race — but make no mistake, Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes aren’t in “comfortable” mode. They’re in “let’s go win something big” mode.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Detroit is already working the phones ahead of the NFL trade deadline. The message? The Lions want more bite in their defense.
“Detroit is making calls, looking for an edge rusher,” Russini reported on Sunday.
And just like that, Lions fans started buzzing — because when this front office starts making calls, it usually means something’s coming.
💥 Good Isn’t Enough — Detroit Wants Elite
Detroit’s defense has been one of the league’s most improved units, and the pass rush deserves a lot of credit. Through six games, the Lions rank No. 4 in the NFL with 19 sacks, powered by Aidan Hutchinson’s relentless motor and Kelvin Sheppard’s aggressive defensive front.
They also sit ninth in total QB pressures (49) and 11th in pressure rate (22.1%) — strong numbers by any measure. But for Campbell and Holmes, “strong” isn’t enough when you’re chasing Super Bowl-level dominance.
Hutchinson has been his usual menace, stacking up six sacks and 16 pressures, while Al-Quadin Muhammad has chipped in with 4.5 sacks and nine QB hits. Still, the Lions clearly see the need for another proven disruptor — someone who can rotate in, keep the heat on, and make sure opposing quarterbacks never feel safe.
🔥 Why an Edge Rusher Matters Now
Let’s face it — if you want to make a deep playoff run in the NFC, you need to hunt quarterbacks like your season depends on it. Because it does.
The Lions’ physical style of play wears teams down, but adding depth on the defensive line could be the move that turns a good defense into a terrifying one. As the season grinds on, fresh legs and a fierce pass rush can be the difference between a close loss and a statement win.
And if we’ve learned anything about this front office, it’s that Brad Holmes doesn’t wait around when he sees value.
🧩 The Final Piece for a Super Bowl Push?
While no specific players have been linked yet, Lions fans are already speculating — from veterans like Jadeveon Clowney to rising names around the league. Whoever it is, Detroit’s not chasing headlines; they’re chasing balance.
This isn’t desperation. It’s evolution.
The Lions have gone from rebuilding to reloading, and now, with one smart trade, they could take that next step toward something Detroit hasn’t felt in decades: true championship potential.
Because one thing’s for sure — Detroit’s not done yet.