Detroit Lions top defensive trade deadline targets

Tuesday marks the NFL’s annual trade deadline, making it the final day Detroit Lions could add outside help through the trade market for the remainder of the 2024 season.

The consensus largest area of ​​need for the Lions is at the edge rusher position, as they have already lost two players to seasonal injuries at the position. As a result, the Lions could upgrade.

Here are 10 defensive players Lions on which you can trade at the trading deadline.

THE Maxx Crosby

Crosby is the hottest trading target for the Lions‘ fan base, and the connections are obvious. He played at Eastern Michigan, so there is a local tie. He is also one of the best in the league at the position, so he would be an excellent addition.

However, it seems unlikely that the Raiders will want to trade him in his current form. Detroit’s last hope in this race could be a loss in Las Vegas against Cincinnati this weekend, which could influence them to become sellers. Still, the cost wouldn’t be cheap and the demand to acquire Crosby would be a hefty price.

DE Za’Darius Smith

Smith has been a player linked to the Lions, and reports indicate the current asking price is an early Day Three Draft pick. This could be a viable move for Detroit, requiring a capable rusher with an extra year of team control.

The 32-year-old has been productive for the Cleveland Browns this season. He has extensive experience in the NFC North, playing for the Packers and Vikings, and has previously stated that he would welcome a trade to Detroit for the opportunity to compete against his former teams.

OLB Azeez Ojulari

In an ESPN report this week: Ojulari was mentioned along with Smith as potential Lions targets. He is built more in the mold of an outside linebacker, as opposed to a traditional edge rusher, but still has the skill set the Lions currently covet.

Ojulari is a young option who would arrive as a loan player in the final year of his rookie deal. He could bolster Detroit’s defense with speed off the edge and would fit in as the team’s SAM linebacker thanks to his abilities.

THE Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney is an intriguing veteran with a lot of pedigree. He was the first overall pick in 2014 and still has many of the same talents that made him so coveted as a young player. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and has bounced around in recent years before landing in Carolina this season.

Although he has just one sack this season, a review of his tape indicates he can still get around the rim and impact the quarterback. With the Panthers struggling, a move to a contending team could also serve as a boost.

C.B. Jack Jones

Jones was mentioned as a potential trade target by Sports Illustrated, in which writer Gilberto Manzano suggested the Lions send a fourth-round pick to the Raiders in exchange for the cornerback.

The Lions’ cornerback room was revamped this past offseason with the addition of Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw and Amik Robertson. With so many newcomers, the unit as a whole has steadily improved. Adding Jones would give the Lions even more depth in the secondary.

DE Trey Hendrickson

Like Crosby, Hendrikson is a premier edge rusher who should pay a price. However, his situation could also be affected by the outcome of Sunday’s Raiders-Bengals game. Hendrickson had requested a trade earlier this offseason and the Bengals’ struggles this season may not have helped matters.

Hendrickson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2017, so there is some familiarity with Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn. He would fit in well and have another year of team control, so the potential combination of he and Aidan Hutchinson would be exciting next season.

DE/OLB Emmanuel Ogbah

Another option for veterans is Ogbahwho spent the last five years with Miami. He has two sacks this year, but would provide a steady veteran presence with some ability to torment opposing passers with pressure as well.

Ogbah is another player who could be acquired with a late-round pick, which could help Holmes avoid parting with significant and important draft capital.

DT/DE Calais Campbell

Campbell is nearing the end of his career at age 38 and could potentially want to impact a playoff run. The Dolphins have been up and down this season and with their playoff fate uncertain, he could be looking for a new opportunity.

While Campbell While he doesn’t have game-changing skills at this stage of his career, he would be a reliable veteran who has positional versatility and could also help domestically with a group that has been dealing with injuries in recent weeks.

OLB Arden Key

Key placed on a nice display against the Lions in an otherwise rough outing for Tennessee. With two sacks, he made the case for reuniting with former Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams in Detroit.

The veteran is another productive option with pass rush ability. He also has the versatility to provide the edge as a defensive end in addition to his normal linebacker responsibilities.

DE Chase Young

Rounding out the list is Youngwho was a hot trade option a season ago as the Lions were thought to be looking for a running mate for Hutchinson. Young is once again an intriguing option for his upside.

The Ohio State product was the second overall pick coming out of college in 2020 and has top talent, but injuries have played a role in his career. Young has potential at the highest level, and a deal for him could be a steal.