The Detroit Lions are under pressure to make a big trade to close a gaping hole.

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The Detroit Lions are under pressure to make a big trade to close a gaping hole.

The Detroit Lions are coming off one of their best seasons in franchise history, finishing with a 15-2 record and securing their place among the NFL’s elite teams. However, their heartbreaking playoff exit highlighted certain weaknesses that must be addressed if they hope to take the next step and contend for a Super Bowl in 2025. With the free agency period yielding limited reinforcements, the Lions are now under immense pressure to execute a significant trade to plug a crucial hole in their roster.

Where Do the Lions Need the Most Help?

Despite a dominant regular season, the Lions’ weaknesses were exposed during the playoffs, particularly on defense. While their offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff and a dynamic running back duo, remains one of the best in the league, their defense showed vulnerability in key situations.

Here are the primary areas of concern:

  1. Edge Rusher/Defensive End
    • The departure of Za’Darius Smith leaves the Lions without a consistent pass-rushing threat opposite Aidan Hutchinson. While the return of Marcus Davenport from injury is promising, Detroit still needs another high-impact edge rusher to solidify their defensive front.
  2. Cornerback
    • The loss of Carlton Davis in free agency has weakened the secondary. While Avonte Maddox was signed to fill a slot corner role, the Lions lack a true lockdown corner capable of handling elite wide receivers. This deficiency could prove costly in a pass-heavy NFC.
  3. Offensive Line Depth
    • With veteran guard Kevin Zeitler leaving in free agency, Detroit’s once-dominant offensive line has lost some of its interior strength. Adding a proven lineman through a trade could help maintain the high level of protection that Goff has grown accustomed to.

Potential Trade Targets for the Lions

To address these glaring needs, the Lions must explore the trade market for impact players. Below are some realistic trade targets the team could pursue:

1. Brian Burns (EDGE, Carolina Panthers)

  • Burns is one of the most talented young pass rushers in the NFL and has been the subject of trade rumors for over a year. The Panthers, currently in a rebuild, might be willing to part with him in exchange for valuable draft capital. Burns would provide an instant upgrade opposite Hutchinson and give Detroit one of the most formidable edge-rushing duos in the league.

2. L’Jarius Sneed (CB, Kansas City Chiefs)

  • The Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Sneed, but there have been reports that they could be open to trading him for the right price. The Lions could offer a second-round pick and additional compensation to land a true No. 1 cornerback, immediately improving their secondary.

3. Chase Young (EDGE, New Orleans Saints)

  • After being traded to the Saints from the 49ers, Young has yet to prove he can stay healthy and return to his Defensive Rookie of the Year form. If the Saints are looking to move on, the Lions could take a chance on Young at a reduced price, hoping he can rediscover his potential.

4. Brandon Aiyuk (WR, San Francisco 49ers)

  • While not an immediate area of need, adding another high-caliber receiver like Aiyuk could elevate the Lions’ offense to another level. If the 49ers are unwilling to give Aiyuk a contract extension, Detroit could swoop in and pair him with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

What Will It Take to Land a Star?

Making a blockbuster trade will require the Lions to part with significant assets. Here are some trade packages they might offer:

  • Package 1 (For a Defensive Star like Brian Burns or Chase Young)
    • 2025 1st-round pick
    • 2026 3rd-round pick
    • Edge rusher Josh Paschal (young player with potential)
  • Package 2 (For a Cornerback like L’Jarius Sneed)
    • 2025 2nd-round pick
    • 2025 4th-round pick
    • Conditional 2026 pick based on performance
  • Package 3 (For an Offensive Lineman or Receiver)
    • 2025 3rd-round pick
    • Depth player (OL or WR)
    • Future conditional pick

The Lions have a deep and talented roster, but they also have valuable draft picks that could be leveraged to bring in top-tier talent. With their championship window open, sacrificing future draft capital in exchange for a proven player could be the right move.

 A Crucial Moment for Detroit’s Front Office

The Detroit Lions have built a competitive team through smart drafting and disciplined roster construction. However, they are now at a crossroads where an aggressive move could be the difference between another playoff exit and a Super Bowl appearance.

General Manager Brad Holmes has been patient in free agency, but the time to act is now. A well-executed trade for a pass rusher, cornerback, or offensive lineman could be the final piece needed to turn Detroit from a contender into a legitimate favorite for the Lombardi Trophy.

Will the Lions make the bold move necessary to push them over the top? The next few weeks will be critical in determining their fate for the 2025 season.

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