The Detroit Lions have unleashed so much excitement this season that you could mistake them for a Hollywood blockbuster. The team is firing on all cylinders, boasting a 4-1 record, and coming off a smashing victory over the Dallas Cowboys with a scoreline reminiscent of a Madden video game – 47-9 – as recounted by the Sporting News. However, this roaring success is underscored by a defensive conundrum as injuries have effectively thinned out their edge-rushing unit – including losing Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending injury.
With roaring expectations, the Lions are actively combing the trade market for seasoned veterans who might fill the chasm left by their star defender. This sentiment resonates with the Detroit Free Press who reported that the Cleveland Browns' Za'Darius Smith is entertaining the idea of wearing the Lions' colors. Smith could be the secret sauce needed to bolster the defensive front.
But he isn't the only prized stallion in the trade market barn. Former Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick, currently with the New York Jets, is another tantalizing option. As described by Sports Illustrated, Reddick has painted himself into a corner, sitting out to demand a new contract while accruing fines. The Lions might scoop him up for a negligibly small sixth-round pick and this move could be mutually beneficial; geographic relocation and a reasonable potential pay raise could tamp down Reddick's demands and further the Lions’ playoff charge.
Further afield, yet within reach, is another enticing prospect: Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals. According to Sporting News, Hendrickson boasts stats that could make any defensive coordinator drool, and his availability could morph the Lions into an NFC superpower. With the Bengals, teetering at a 2-4 start, perhaps enticing him away could be achieved with a dash of future draft capital and a promise of backing a team fighting for the Super Bowl.
Finally, the last buzzing name in the rumor mill is Josh Hines-Allen of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Spruced up with a $141 million extension, as Sporting News details, Hines-Allen would not be a mere patch-up but more like a dazzling spotlight offering an array of fireworks for Detroit’s defensive schemes. Despite the wage conundrum, those spectating from the bleachers might argue that the future scarcity of options could be justified by the immediate rewards a trade could bring.
So, will the Lions make these bold moves? As speculation reaches a crescendo, Detroit fans can rest assured that management is exhaustively exploring avenues to replace the unreplaceable. The NFC North lead is up for grabs, and with trades like these, the Lions could be eyeing more than just a divisional crown; they have the vim and vigor for a serious Super Bowl run.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Lions Blockbuster Trade Idea Would Land Ex-Eagles $45 Million Star from Sports Illustrated
Lions named potential trade partner for $21 million star edge rusher from Sporting News
Report: Cleveland Browns DE Za'Darius Smith entertains trade idea to Detroit Lions from Detroit Free Press
Lions urged to trade for star $141 million edge rusher to replace Aidan Hutchinson from Sporting News