As the Detroit Lions gear up for the 2025 season, one analyst says they should act quickly to trade defensive lineman Josh Paschal before it’s too late.
Efstathios Savvidis of Detroit Jock City argues that the Lions should “immediately” move on from Paschal, a 2022 second-round pick who hasn’t lived up to expectations. While Detroit is bringing back a talented core despite offseason coaching changes, Savvidis believes Paschal isn’t part of the team’s long-term plans.
Paschal, 24, has recorded just five sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits since entering the league. In 2024, he started 10 games but managed only two sacks, five tackles for loss, and eight QB hits. Pro Football Focus graded him poorly, with a 54.5 overall score that ranked him 154th among 211 eligible edge rushers.
“Even when the Lions defense struggled with injuries in 2024, Paschal wasn’t able to make an impact,” Savvidis wrote, adding that while Paschal has shown some ability against the run, he hasn’t developed into the reliable pass rusher Detroit needs.
Savvidis suggests both sides could benefit from a trade: the Lions could address their secondary—which ranked 30th in passing yards allowed per game last season—and Paschal might thrive in a new system that gives him more playing time.
Although trading Paschal makes sense from a roster-building perspective, there’s also a case for keeping him a bit longer to see if he can improve under the team’s new coaching staff. But with the Lions needing help in the secondary and Paschal’s trade value still intact, now could be the right time to make a move.
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