By Moses Joshua 
Detroit urged to make aggressive push for Jaelan Phillips as trade deadline nears
The Detroit Lions have built one of the most balanced rosters in football, but even the NFC powerhouse has one glaring need — a consistent pass rusher to line up opposite Aidan Hutchinson. As the NFL trade deadline approaches, analysts believe Detroit could fill that void by targeting one of the league’s top young defensive ends.
Jaelan Phillips Emerges as a Prime Trade Target
According to several NFL insiders, Miami Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips could be exactly what Detroit needs to elevate its defense from good to dominant. With Miami’s playoff hopes dwindling, the team could soon shift its focus toward the future — and that might open the door for a bold move by the Lions.
In a recent column for The Sporting News, Vinnie Iyer identified the Lions as one of the top teams likely to pursue an edge rusher at the deadline. While Detroit has been loosely linked to Cincinnati Bengals standout Trey Hendrickson, Iyer believes Phillips is a far more realistic target.
“With Hendrickson unlikely to happen and the Lions being a bit reserved in giving the Bengals that great desired haul, they can take a shot on another very effective would-be complement to Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aidan Hutchinson,” Iyer wrote.
Despite battling injuries over the past two seasons, Phillips has proven himself to be one of the most explosive young defenders in the league. When healthy, he’s averaged more than seven sacks per season and has already generated 22 quarterback pressures this year alone — showcasing his ability to disrupt the pocket consistently.
Why Phillips Makes Sense for Detroit
NFL insider Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports argued that Phillips represents the best value option available. He suggested that Detroit could land the 25-year-old edge rusher for a Day 3 draft pick, calling it a deal that “makes too much sense” for general manager Brad Holmes to ignore.
“The Lions will have to give a high Day 3 pick to get it done,” Payton noted, “but what they get back is a player who has racked up 22 pressures this season and is just begging to take advantage of the one-on-one opportunities that Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill provide.”
Payton also labeled Phillips as the “best edge rusher on the trade market,” emphasizing that Detroit would be wise to strike before other contenders enter the mix.
Other Names on Detroit’s Radar
If a deal for Phillips doesn’t materialize, Detroit could turn to another Dolphins defender — Bradley Chubb, who remains an established pass rusher with Pro Bowl pedigree. However, Chubb’s hefty contract could make him a less appealing fit for a Lions front office known for its disciplined spending.
Meanwhile, potential targets like Jermaine Johnson of the New York Jets appear off the table. The young edge rusher recently shut down trade rumors, telling ESPN, “I’m definitely wanted here, and I want to stay here.”
A Familiar Strategy for a Contending Team
This wouldn’t be the first time Detroit has made a midseason push for pass-rush help. The Lions made a similar move last year, trading for Za’Darius Smith after Hutchinson suffered an injury. That gamble paid dividends, helping steady the defense down the stretch.
Now, with a legitimate Super Bowl window in sight, the Lions may be just one move away from turning a strength into a true championship-caliber unit.
Whether it’s Jaelan Phillips or another disruptive force, one thing is clear — Detroit’s front office can’t afford to stand still if they want to finish what they’ve started.