By Moses Joshua 
With Jermaine Johnson signaling he’s staying put in New York, Detroit may turn to other options—or stand pat with a surging defense.
Lions’ Trade Board Shrinks as Deadline Nears
The Detroit Lions may be one of the most balanced teams in football heading into the Nov. 4 trade deadline, but that hasn’t stopped general manager Brad Holmes from exploring ways to make the roster even stronger. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Detroit has been “calling teams for more depth at pass rush,” a sign that the Lions are keeping their options open even while sitting comfortably atop the NFC North.
However, one name on their radar just crossed itself off the board. New York Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, who had been rumored as a potential trade chip, made it clear he has no intention of leaving. Johnson posted a GIF from The Wolf of Wall Street where Leonardo DiCaprio’s character famously shouts, “I’m not leaving,” effectively ending speculation that he’d be moved before the deadline.
His statement came just hours after ESPN listed him among the top 25 players who could be available—a reminder that in the NFL’s trade season, not every name floated actually wants out.
A Market That’s Growing Thinner by the Day
Johnson’s self-removal from the market further complicates matters for Detroit and other teams looking for a pass-rushing boost. The veteran, still just 26, has yet to taste the postseason with the 0-7 Jets but seems determined to help rebuild in New York rather than chase contention elsewhere.
That doesn’t entirely rule out a move—teams can still make compelling offers—but it adds another layer of difficulty in a trade market already light on sellers. With players like Johnson off-limits, Detroit may pivot its attention to other possibilities such as Jaelan Phillips or Arden Key.
The crown jewel of available edge rushers, Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals, remains an unlikely but intriguing target. With several teams—like the Philadelphia Eagles—desperate for help, the market could soon favor sellers entirely. As one NFC executive told The Athletic, “There are more buyers than sellers this year, and that’s going to make prices ridiculous.”
Lions Hold the Upper Hand in Patience
For the Lions, patience may be the smartest play. Their defense has thrived despite early-season injuries, and reinforcements are set to return after the bye week. Aidan Hutchinson has regained his dominant, Defensive Player of the Year-caliber form, while Al-Quadin Muhammad has quietly emerged as a major contributor on the edge.
The team’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and create turnovers has kept them among the league’s elite defenses—without needing to mortgage future draft capital. As much as another veteran addition could deepen their rotation, it’s hardly a necessity.
Holmes has built a roster that can sustain injuries and still compete at the highest level, and that foundation allows Detroit the luxury of restraint.
Staying the Course Toward a Bigger Goal
While rumors swirl and trade chatter intensifies across the league, the Lions appear content to let others overpay for short-term fixes. Detroit’s front office knows what it has built—and understands that championship teams aren’t made at the trade deadline alone.
If anything, the removal of Johnson from trade speculation simply reaffirms that Detroit doesn’t need to panic. The Lions’ pass rush is already roaring—and as long as Hutchinson, Muhammad, and company keep applying pressure, they’ll remain one of the NFC’s toughest defenses without any outside help.