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Detroit could bolster its pass rush with a blockbuster deal for Joey Bosa.
Lions Eye Defensive Upgrade
The Detroit Lions have been linked to potential trades for star pass rushers like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby, but one insider believes another high-profile edge rusher could be headed to Detroit.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport recently outlined a series of potential offseason trades, including a deal that would send Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa to the Lions for a surprisingly modest price.
Taking a Chance on an Injury-Prone Star
Davenport suggested that Detroit could take a calculated risk by trading for Bosa, who has battled injuries in recent seasons. Over the past three years, the Pro Bowler has played more than 10 games just once. Despite his struggles, Davenport argued that the Chargers might be ready to move on and secure some value rather than releasing him outright.
“There’s a reason why the 2016 No. 3 overall pick has been mentioned as a trade or even a cut candidate for much of the offseason—especially if the Chargers have aspirations of re-signing fellow edge-rusher Khalil Mack,” Davenport wrote.
The proposed deal would see the Lions acquire Bosa in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick, giving them much-needed depth behind star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Even with injuries limiting his impact, Bosa still earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024, finishing the season with five sacks and 22 total tackles across 14 games. However, despite trade speculation, the Chargers have publicly stated they intend to keep Bosa on the roster.
Chargers’ Stance on Bosa’s Future
Los Angeles general manager Joe Hortiz recently emphasized the team’s commitment to Bosa, citing the player’s desire to remain with the franchise.
“I know he wants to retire a Charger,” Hortiz said. “I’d love for him to retire a Charger. I love Joey—the teammate, the competitor.”
While the Chargers appear intent on keeping Bosa, Davenport pointed out that offseason promises don’t always hold firm. If the right offer comes along, Los Angeles could still be willing to part ways with the veteran pass rusher.
Lions Seeking Pass Rush Depth
Detroit’s pass rush struggled outside of Hutchinson, with no other defender coming close to his team-leading 7.5 sacks before a season-ending injury in October.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes acknowledged the team’s need for more pass-rushing talent but suggested they might prioritize depth over a single splashy acquisition.
“We have a high-end rusher now, do we want to have another one? Yes, we’d like to have three or four high-end rushers,” Holmes said, via Sports Illustrated. “That’s just not always the reality of what you’re able to do. So, it’s definitely not being ignored.”
If the Lions decide to pull the trigger on a deal for Bosa, they’d be betting that he can stay healthy and regain his dominant form. Whether that risk is worth taking remains to be seen.