By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s Uncharacteristic Inaction Raises Eyebrows as Defensive and O-Line Needs Go Unaddressed
The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 NFL trade deadline with clear weaknesses on both sides of the ball — especially on the edge and in the secondary. With injuries piling up and production waning, it seemed inevitable that general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell would make a move to reinforce the roster. Instead, in a surprising twist, Detroit stood pat.
A Missed Opportunity to Strengthen the Defense
Despite multiple reports linking the Lions to potential defensive upgrades, including Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson and New York Jets edge-rusher Jermaine Johnson, Detroit made no additions before the 4 p.m. deadline. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler summarized the situation on social media:
«“Spotlight on the Jets in the final 75 minutes of the deadline after two massive deals. Teams say New York wants a 2nd for EDGE Jermaine Johnson, who has expected to stay with the team.”»
Johnson, a former first-round pick and Pro Bowler, could have been the ideal complement to Aidan Hutchinson, bolstering a pass rush that has struggled to generate consistent pressure. But after falling to 5–3 with a disappointing home loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Lions opted for inaction — a decision that left fans puzzled and analysts questioning the team’s ambition.
This isn’t the first time Detroit has passed on potential help. The team chose not to re-sign veteran Za’Darius Smith this offseason, watching him sign with the Philadelphia Eagles before announcing his retirement. With the trade window now closed, the Lions’ only path to adding impact defenders lies in free agency.
Detroit Adds Depth, But Not the Kind Fans Expected
While the Lions refrained from pursuing defensive help, they did make one modest roster move on offense, signing rookie guard Jack Conley to the practice squad. The addition comes on the heels of Christian Mahogany’s season-altering leg injury, which leaves a major hole in Detroit’s interior line.
“They picked up rookie guard Jack Conley ahead of 4 p.m. EST, and he lands on their practice squad amidst Mahogany’s long road to recovery,” reported Candace Pedraza of FanSided. “This signals that the team is likely going to slide Trystan Colon or Kingsley Eguakun onto the line ahead of Week 10.”
At 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, Conley brings size and versatility, but he remains a developmental player unlikely to see game action soon. Meanwhile, the Lions passed on proven veterans like Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller, both of whom were reportedly available from the Cleveland Browns.
A Curious Move for an Aggressive Team
What makes Detroit’s passivity so unusual is that it runs counter to Dan Campbell’s usual approach. Known for his fearless play-calling and all-in mentality, Campbell has never been shy about taking risks — both on the field and in roster construction.
The Lions have been one of the NFC’s most competitive teams in recent seasons, winning back-to-back division titles, and expectations were sky-high heading into the trade deadline. But with key defensive and offensive injuries, standing still feels out of character for a franchise trying to solidify itself as a true Super Bowl contender.
Detroit now turns its focus to Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, a game it must win to maintain momentum in the playoff race. With the Commanders missing starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Lions enter as 8.5-point favorites — but questions about their lack of urgency will linger long after kickoff.