Lions Looking for Pass Rush Help Could a Trade Be the Answer?
The Detroit Lions know exactly what they need to fix on defense this off-season get Aidan Hutchinson some help on the edge.
Hutchinson had a breakout season, but when he went down with a leg fracture in October, it exposed a major problem: the Lions had no real depth at pass rusher. After his injury, the team struggled to pressure quarterbacks, and no other player on the roster managed more than four sacks all season.
Now, analysts think Detroit could make a move to fix that—potentially pulling off a trade for a proven edge rusher who needs a fresh start.
Lions-Eagles Trade Idea Gains Attention
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton thinks the Lions should target Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Bryce Huff. In his trade proposal, Detroit would send a fourth-round pick and a seventh-round pick in 2025 to Philly in exchange for Huff.
The Eagles gave Huff a three-year, $51 million contract last offseason, but it didn’t work out as expected. Between injuries and inconsistent play, Huff struggled to make an impact. He played in just 12 games, recorded only 2.5 sacks, and was left off the field during Super Bowl LIX.
Moton believes that with Hutchinson as the focal point of the Lions’ defensive line, Huff could thrive in a starting role on the other side. And since Detroit hasn’t brought back Za’Darius Smith and Josh Paschal hasn’t lived up to expectations, it makes sense to explore options.
Other Routes for the Lions
If a trade doesn’t happen, Detroit could look to the draft. CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards suggested the Lions could use their first-round pick (No. 28 overall) to grab Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart.
Stewart has the size and athleticism to be a great pass rusher, but his college production was inconsistent. However, Edwards argues that Detroit would be the perfect landing spot, allowing Stewart to develop without the pressure of being the primary playmaker since Hutchinson already commands most of the attention.
No matter which path the Lions take, one thing is clear: they need more firepower on the defensive front if they want to take the next step.
Detroit Defense Reloading? Trade Proposal Targets Elite Edge Rusher
