By Blessing 
With the NFL Draft just around the corner, the Detroit Lions’ plan to address their pass rush remains shrouded in uncertainty. For months, speculation has swirled that they’d go after an edge rusher early in the draft. But as General Manager Brad Holmes recently hinted, they won’t be forcing a pick just to fill a need. If the right guy isn’t there, they’ll look elsewhere.
That stance complicates things a bit, especially since the free-agent market hasn’t offered many viable options—and the Lions seem unwilling to shell out for the top-tier names. All of this sets the stage for an intriguing possibility: a trade, possibly during the draft itself.
There’s been buzz around the idea of targeting the Giants for a deal, especially with the growing consensus that Abdul Carter could go third overall. That would make pass rushers like Kayvon Thibodeaux more expendable—and potentially available.
However, not everyone’s convinced that New York is the best place to look. Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports recently floated a different idea: the Lions should turn their eyes toward the AFC.
In his proposal, Payton suggests that Detroit offer up a fourth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for edge rusher Odafe Oweh. Drafted in the first round back in 2021, Oweh didn’t immediately blow people away. But over time, he’s quietly developed into a serious threat on the edge.
Oweh showed early flashes in his rookie campaign, collecting five sacks over 15 games. His second year saw a dip—just three sacks—but in 2023, he bounced back with another five. That steady progress convinced Baltimore to pick up his fifth-year option. Oweh rewarded that decision in a big way: in 2024, he racked up 10 sacks and added 48 quarterback pressures, ranking him 29th among edge defenders, per Pro Football Focus.
Now, the Ravens face a critical choice—extend Oweh beyond 2025 or explore a trade while his value is high. If Baltimore decides not to commit long-term, it would make sense for them to get something in return before he hits free agency.
For the Lions, acquiring a pass rusher like Oweh for a fourth-round pick could be a steal. His upside is clear, and he’d instantly upgrade their front seven. The only hitch? His contract. If Detroit can’t work out an extension, they’d risk getting just one season from him—while also juggling extensions for other stars on the roster.
Still, in a draft where top edge talent might be out of reach, this trade scenario is definitely one to watch.