NFL Writer Suggests Lions Trade for Eagles Pass-Rusher: A Strategic Move to Strengthen Detroit’s Defense

As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the Detroit Lions are among the teams that have made significant strides in recent years. After a promising 2024 season, which saw the team make a strong push for the playoffs, the Lions have their eyes set on a deeper run in 2025. To take that next step, one area that remains a potential weakness for the team is their pass rush. Despite having standout players like Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ defensive line could benefit from an additional high-caliber edge rusher to provide consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

This has led some analysts and NFL insiders to suggest that the Lions should explore the possibility of trading for a proven pass-rusher. Specifically, one intriguing suggestion is that the Lions should target a player from a team with an overflowing talent pool at the position: the Philadelphia Eagles. After a dominant Super Bowl appearance and a standout season, the Eagles’ defensive line remains one of the deepest in the league. Consequently, several analysts have raised the possibility of the Lions pursuing a trade for one of the Eagles’ talented pass-rushers to help fortify their defensive front.

In this article, we’ll examine why the Detroit Lions might want to consider trading for an edge rusher from the Eagles, the potential players they could target, how such a move could benefit the team, and whether a trade is realistic from both a team-building and financial perspective.

The Detroit Lions’ Defensive Line: Strengths and Weaknesses

The Lions’ defense has come a long way under head coach Dan Campbell. While the offense has captured much of the spotlight, particularly with dynamic playmakers like quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit’s defense has shown steady improvement. In 2024, the Lions’ defense ranked in the middle of the pack in most key metrics, but there was a clear need for improvement in one area: their ability to consistently pressure the quarterback.

While Aidan Hutchinson enjoyed a standout rookie season in 2022 and continued to be a key contributor in 2024, Detroit still lacked a consistent second pass-rusher to complement his efforts. Hutchinson, a 6-foot-7 defensive end with tremendous length and athleticism, is a disruptive force, but he can’t carry the entire load on his own. The team’s ability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback can be a game-changer, especially against high-powered offenses in the NFC.

The Lions have addressed their defense through the draft, but they still need another proven pass-rusher to elevate their pass rush. The question for Detroit becomes: how can they find that missing piece without spending too much in free agency or relying solely on the draft? Trading for an established talent, particularly from a team that already has depth at the position, might be the solution.

The Philadelphia Eagles: Depth at Edge Rusher

The Philadelphia Eagles have built one of the most dominant defensive lines in recent NFL history. Under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, the Eagles have been able to mix youth and experience on their front seven, creating a dynamic pass-rush that wreaks havoc on opposing quarterbacks. While much of the focus has been on their Super Bowl-caliber offense, Philadelphia’s defense has been just as impressive.

The Eagles’ defensive line is not only one of the best in terms of talent, but it’s also one of the deepest in the league. With key contributors like Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, and Brandon Graham all playing vital roles in the defensive front, the Eagles have the luxury of multiple pass-rushers capable of making an impact on any given play. In fact, one could argue that the Eagles have too much talent at the position, with more players than they can effectively utilize on a week-to-week basis.

Who Could the Lions Target?

Given the Eagles’ depth at edge rusher, it’s possible that they could be open to trading one of their defensive linemen in order to maintain financial flexibility or bolster other areas of their roster. Several pass-rushers on the Eagles’ roster have been standout performers and would be an immediate upgrade to the Lions’ defense.

1. Brandon Graham, EDGE, Philadelphia Eagles

One of the most experienced pass-rushers on the Eagles’ roster, Brandon Graham, is a player who could provide instant leadership and depth to the Lions’ defense. At 35 years old, Graham is nearing the end of his career, but he has remained incredibly effective as a pass rusher. Known for his relentless motor, Graham has the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, and his leadership could be invaluable to a young Lions’ defense.

While the age factor may deter some teams from making a trade for Graham, his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, such as the playoffs, would make him a valuable asset to a Lions’ team looking to make a deep postseason run. Graham, who had eight sacks in 2024, could serve as a mentor to young players like Hutchinson and provide a steady presence in Detroit’s defensive line rotation.

2. Derek Barnett, EDGE, Philadelphia Eagles

Another potential target for the Lions is Derek Barnett. A former first-round pick, Barnett has flashed significant potential but has struggled with consistency throughout his career. While he may not have lived up to the high expectations that come with being a first-round pick, Barnett’s raw talent and pass-rushing ability are undeniable. In 2024, Barnett registered 5.5 sacks and played a key role in Philadelphia’s strong defensive front. His quickness and ability to bend around the edge make him a viable option for teams looking to add a versatile pass-rusher.

Barnett’s contract situation may make him an appealing trade target for the Lions, as he is entering the final years of his rookie deal and could provide the Lions with a cost-effective option on the defensive line. While not as polished as some of the top edge rushers in the league, Barnett could benefit from a fresh start in Detroit, where he might have the opportunity to showcase his potential as part of a deep defensive line rotation.

3. Josh Sweat, EDGE, Philadelphia Eagles

Josh Sweat is one of the most intriguing players on the Eagles’ defensive line. The 6-foot-5, 257-pound pass rusher has steadily improved throughout his career and is now considered one of the top edge rushers in the league. Sweat’s combination of size, strength, and speed makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles, and his ability to consistently generate pressure has made him a key contributor for the Eagles.

With his breakout performance in 2024, registering 10 sacks, Sweat has established himself as one of the most promising young pass-rushers in the NFL. However, with the Eagles’ depth at the position, it is possible they may be willing to move Sweat in order to maintain salary cap flexibility. His youth and potential would make him an ideal target for the Lions, who are looking to build a long-term, high-impact defensive line.

Why the Lions Should Pursue a Trade for an Eagles Pass-Rusher

There are several reasons why a trade for one of the Eagles’ pass-rushers could make sense for the Detroit Lions. First and foremost, adding a proven pass-rusher would immediately upgrade the Lions’ defense. A strong pass rush is vital for any playoff-caliber team, and with the NFC North becoming increasingly competitive, Detroit will need to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Additionally, by trading for a pass-rusher, the Lions would not have to rely solely on the draft to address their defensive needs. While the 2025 NFL Draft has several intriguing edge rusher prospects, the Lions may prefer to solidify their defense now by acquiring a proven player rather than taking the risk of drafting a rookie. Trading for a player with experience would also provide an immediate impact, something a team looking to make a playoff push in 2025 could benefit from.

Another factor to consider is that the Eagles are in a unique position with their defense. With multiple pass-rushers on their roster and salary cap concerns, they may be willing to part ways with a talented player to free up space. This could present an opportunity for the Lions to acquire a high-impact player without needing to make a blockbuster move or sacrifice significant future draft capital.

Is a Trade Realistic?

While the idea of acquiring an Eagles pass-rusher is appealing, the question remains: is such a trade realistic? The Eagles have significant depth at the edge rusher position, but they also need to maintain financial flexibility moving forward. The Lions could be in a good position to make a deal, especially if they are willing to give up a mid-round draft pick or a player who can contribute to Philadelphia’s depth.

However, the Lions would need to carefully evaluate the financials of such a trade. If the Eagles’ pass-rusher is under a hefty contract, it could create salary cap challenges for the Lions, especially with their ongoing contract obligations to key players like Hutchinson and Goff. Nevertheless, if the Lions can structure the trade in a way that makes financial sense, acquiring a proven pass-rusher could be an ideal move for a team on the cusp of playoff contention.

A Smart Move for the Lions?

Adding a proven pass-rusher from the Eagles could be a transformative move for the Detroit Lions as they continue their quest for a deeper playoff run in 2025. With their defense in need of another edge rusher to complement Hutchinson, the Lions should seriously consider pursuing a trade for one of the Eagles’ talented players. Whether it’s the leadership and experience of Brandon Graham, the upside of Derek Barnett, or the youth and potential of Josh Sweat, any of these players could help solidify Detroit’s defensive front.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Lions have the opportunity to make a bold move in free agency or trade to bolster their defense. A trade for a pass rusher would give the team an immediate impact player and strengthen their overall depth. If the Lions are serious about contending in the NFC, a trade for an edge rusher—particularly from a deep, championship-caliber team like the Eagles—could be exactly what they need to take their defense to the next level.