The Detroit Lions are heating up the rumor mill with potential trade moves as they eye a stronger roster heading into what could be a promising season. With some impressive performances and strategic gaps to fill, there's a lot of buzz around who might be coming and going within the team's lineup.
One of the most significant rumors comes from Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, who has named the Lions as a potential trade suitor for disgruntled New York Jets pass-rusher, Haason Reddick. According to Knox, “With $26.1 million in cap space available, the Cardinals could afford to give Reddick a new contract. The Lions could do the same, and they should be interested in adding a high-end complement opposite Aidan Hutchinson.”
The Lions’ pass-rush struggled last season but showed promising improvement in Week 1 after acquiring Marcus Davenport in free agency. Davenport recorded six pressures and a sack in his debut. Paired with Aidan Hutchinson and Levi Onwuzurike, who totaled 11 and five pressures respectively, the Lions managed an impressive 27 pressures in their first game. Considering this, adding a proven player like Reddick—who has amassed 11 or more sacks in each of the past four seasons—could make the Lions' defense even more formidable (Sporting News).
While the Lions contemplate incoming talent, they've also seen some former players finding new homes. Julian Okwara, originally a third-round pick for Detroit, has signed with the Arizona Cardinals after a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. Okwara, who notched nine sacks and 12 tackles for loss during his four years with the Lions, has been promoted to the Cardinals' active roster. However, his tenure with the Lions was marked by inconsistency due to injuries (MLive).
In-house, the Lions are also managing their existing talent. James Houston, a third-year pass rusher, was a surprise healthy scratch in Week 1. Head coach Dan Campbell explained that it’s a matter of balancing roster needs, particularly on special teams. “What’s going to bring more to you and what plays into that is, and special teams is a big one,” Campbell said. With marquee players like Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport healthy and dominant, the Lions didn’t feel the need to have a fifth edge rusher active. However, with Davenport now nursing a groin injury, there’s a possibility Houston could make his season debut soon (Lions Wire).
As the Lions navigate potential trades and roster adjustments, fans can expect an exciting yet strategic approach as they aim to bolster their lineup. With a mix of promising newcomers and a few question marks over outgoing players, the team's management is surely working hard to ensure they have the right pieces in place for a playoff push.
Stay tuned, Lions fans—the front office isn’t done making moves just yet!
What other sites are saying about this topic
Detroit Lions named potential trade partner for disgruntled edge rusher from Sporting News
Former Detroit Lions third-round pick signs with Arizona Cardinals from MLive
Dan Campbell explains why James Houston was a healthy scratch in Week 1 from Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire