Detroit Lions Pressed to Swing Huge Trade to Fill Glaring Hole

As the Detroit Lions continue to build towards becoming a perennial contender in the NFC, they face an important crossroads in the offseason. The team has made significant strides over the past couple of seasons, improving both on offense and defense. However, despite these improvements, the Lions have a glaring hole on their roster that could hold them back from competing at the highest level in the 2025 season.

While the Lions have shown promise with their young talent, there’s no question that one position, in particular, stands out as a potential roadblock to their playoff hopes. With the 2025 NFL season quickly approaching, there is mounting pressure on the Lions’ front office to make a bold move—a trade that could dramatically alter the trajectory of the team for the better. This article will explore why the Detroit Lions are pressed to swing a huge trade to fill this glaring hole, the position they need to target, and the potential impact a trade could have on the team’s future.

The State of the Lions’ Roster: A Positive Outlook

Before diving into the glaring hole that needs to be filled, it’s important to understand the positive direction the Detroit Lions are currently heading in. The team has made significant strides, particularly on offense. With a solid quarterback in Jared Goff, an exciting running back in Jahmyr Gibbs, and an explosive receiving corps led by Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions’ offense has the potential to be one of the most potent in the league.

Additionally, the defense has shown flashes of promise, particularly with standout players like Aidan Hutchinson leading the charge on the defensive line. The Lions’ front office has worked hard to revamp the defense, adding quality pieces in free agency and through the draft. The team’s core is strong, and the foundation for sustained success appears to be in place.

However, despite these positive developments, there is still a significant gap that threatens to hold the Lions back from competing with the NFL’s elite teams. That gap, unfortunately, has been a recurring theme in Detroit’s recent seasons and is something that general manager Brad Holmes must address if the Lions are to fully realize their potential.

The Glaring Hole: The Secondary

While the Detroit Lions’ offense has largely been solid and their front seven on defense has been much improved, the secondary remains a glaring weakness. Despite adding Cameron Sutton in free agency and bringing in other contributors, the Lions’ secondary has been inconsistent, especially when matched up against high-powered offenses with elite quarterbacks and receiving weapons.

The cornerback position, in particular, has been a cause for concern. Jeff Okudah, once viewed as the cornerstone of the Lions’ secondary, has struggled to live up to expectations. Despite flashes of promise, Okudah has failed to become the shutdown corner that the team hoped for when they drafted him with the third overall pick in 2020. His inconsistency has led to significant breakdowns in coverage, especially in critical situations.

Beyond Okudah, the Lions’ cornerback room is relatively thin. Cameron Sutton, the team’s top free-agent acquisition, is a solid player who should help stabilize the secondary, but he is not enough to single-handedly turn the defensive backfield into a strength. The Lions need more depth and talent in the secondary to ensure they can compete with the elite offenses in the league. They need a legitimate No. 1 cornerback who can match up with top-tier wide receivers and lock down one side of the field.

The safety position also remains a question mark, with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson joining the team in free agency, but the group still lacking the consistency and playmaking ability needed to give the Lions an advantage in coverage.

Why a Trade Is the Solution

With the 2025 NFL Draft offering limited options in terms of immediate impact cornerbacks or safeties, the Lions are facing a situation where a trade may be the most viable way to address their glaring weakness. While they could continue to add to their secondary through the draft or free agency, there are a few key reasons why making a trade for an elite cornerback or safety is the best route forward:

1. Immediate Impact

The Lions are in win-now mode. Their offense is ready to compete with the best in the NFC, and their defense has enough playmakers to make noise. However, if the secondary remains a weak link, the team’s playoff chances could be significantly impacted. A trade for a proven, elite cornerback or safety would immediately provide the Lions with a significant boost in their secondary. Unlike rookies who may take time to develop, a seasoned veteran can make an immediate impact and help transform the secondary into a strength.

2. Limited Options in the 2025 NFL Draft

While the 2025 NFL Draft is expected to have some talented players at key positions, the cornerback class is not as deep as some in recent years. While there are certainly quality players to be had, finding an elite, ready-to-start cornerback in the draft may not be a guarantee. The Lions are in a position where they cannot afford to gamble with a rookie who may need time to adjust to the NFL level. Trading for a proven player, on the other hand, provides immediate stability and reliability in a position that has been a weakness for the team.

3. The Lions Are Close to Being a Contender

The Lions are closer than ever to being a legitimate contender in the NFC. Their offense has the pieces to compete with anyone, and their defense has the potential to be strong with the right additions. By swinging a trade for an elite defensive back, the Lions could fill the last remaining gap on their roster and position themselves as true championship contenders. This trade would show their commitment to winning now and give the team the necessary pieces to compete with the top teams in the NFC.

4. The Impact on Jared Goff and the Lions’ Offense

Jared Goff has been playing some of the best football of his career, and adding a star defensive back would help the entire team. With the offense clicking, Goff and the offensive unit would have more confidence knowing that their defense is equipped to slow down the high-powered offenses they will face. A lockdown corner or ball-hawking safety would not only provide immediate improvement in coverage but also take pressure off the offense to score at an unsustainable rate. This balance would make the Lions a far more well-rounded team overall.

Potential Trade Targets for the Lions

Now that we’ve established why the Lions are pressed to make a trade, the next question is who they could target. There are several cornerbacks and safeties across the league who could help fill the void in Detroit’s secondary. Some potential trade targets include:

1. Jalen Ramsey – Cornerback (Miami Dolphins)

One of the biggest names on the trade block in recent years has been Jalen Ramsey. The star cornerback, currently with the Miami Dolphins, has been one of the best defensive backs in the NFL for several years. Ramsey has the ability to shut down top receivers and would immediately elevate the Lions’ secondary.

While trading for Ramsey would come at a high cost, both in terms of draft capital and salary, the Lions could benefit from his leadership, experience, and elite coverage ability. Ramsey would give the Lions a true No. 1 corner who could match up with any top-tier receiver in the league.

2. Byron Jones – Cornerback (Miami Dolphins)

If the Lions are looking for a more affordable option, Byron Jones could be a potential trade target. Although he hasn’t been quite as dominant as Ramsey, Jones has been a reliable cornerback for several seasons and offers excellent size and athleticism. His ability to cover both No. 1 and No. 2 receivers would make him a valuable addition to the Lions’ secondary.

3. Kevin Byard – Safety (Tennessee Titans)

While cornerback is the most pressing need, the Lions could also benefit from upgrading their safety position. Kevin Byard, a former All-Pro safety for the Tennessee Titans, has been one of the most consistent playmakers in the league. Byard has the ability to patrol the deep field, create turnovers, and be a leader on defense. Adding Byard to the mix would help solidify the Lions’ secondary and give them a veteran presence in the back end.

A Bold Move for the Future

The Detroit Lions are on the cusp of something special. With a high-powered offense and a defense that has shown promise, the team is ready to take the next step toward becoming a legitimate Super Bowl contender. However, one glaring weakness remains—an inconsistent and thin secondary. If the Lions are serious about making a deep playoff run in 2025, they must address this issue immediately.

Making a huge trade for an elite cornerback or safety is the most effective way to fill this hole. Whether it’s targeting a player like Jalen Ramsey or Kevin Byard, the Lions have an opportunity to make a move that could catapult them into the upper echelon of the NFC. By adding a proven playmaker to their secondary, the Lions would not only fill their most glaring hole but also solidify their status as one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

The pressure is on the Lions’ front office to make this move, and with the 2025 season fast approaching, the time to act is now.