Trade Rumours: 10 Defensive Reinforcements For The Detroit Lions
Introduction
The Detroit Lions are in the midst of a rebuild, and their defense is one of the areas that needs the most improvement. They have allowed the most points per game in the NFL over the past two seasons, and they need to find some help if they want to turn things around.
There are a number of players who could be available via trade this offseason, and the Lions should be looking to add some of them to their defense. Here are 10 defensive players who could be good targets for the Lions:
1. Bradley Chubb, Edge Rusher, Denver Broncos
Chubb is a young and talented pass rusher who has already made two Pro Bowls. He had 12 sacks in 2020, but he missed most of the 2021 season with an injury. He is expected to be healthy for the 2023 season, and he could be a major upgrade for the Lions' pass rush.
2. Roquan Smith, Inside Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Smith is one of the best young linebackers in the NFL. He is a tackling machine, and he also has a knack for making big plays. He had 163 tackles and five interceptions in 2022. He would be a major upgrade for the Lions' linebacker corps.
3. Shaq Lawson, Edge Rusher, New York Jets
Lawson is a veteran pass rusher who has been productive throughout his career. He has 52.5 career sacks, including 7.5 in 2022. He is not as flashy as some of the other players on this list, but he is a solid and reliable pass rusher.
4. Isaiah McKenzie, Cornerback, Buffalo Bills
McKenzie is a young and talented cornerback who has shown a lot of potential. He has good size and speed, and he is a willing tackler. He had three interceptions in 2022, and he could be a good addition to the Lions' secondary.
5. James Bradberry, Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles
Bradberry is a veteran cornerback who has been one of the best in the NFL for several years. He is a physical and tough cornerback who is also good in coverage. He had four interceptions in 2022, and he could be a major upgrade for the Lions' secondary.
6. Gardner Minshew, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
Minshew is a young and talented quarterback who has shown a lot of promise. He has a strong arm and is accurate with his passes. He also has good mobility and can make plays with his legs. He is a good backup option for the Lions, and he could also start if Jared Goff gets injured.
7. Daron Payne, Defensive Tackle, Washington Commanders
Payne is a young and talented defensive tackle who has been very productive in his career. He had 6.5 sacks in 2022, and he is also a very good run-stopper. He would be a major upgrade for the Lions' defensive line.
8. Casey Toohill, Tight End, Tennessee Titans
Toohill is a young and talented tight end who has shown a lot of potential. He is a good receiver and is also a good blocker. He had 33 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns in 2022. He would be a good addition to the Lions' offense, and he could also help them in the red zone.
9. Michael Brockers, Defensive Tackle, Las Vegas Raiders
Brockers is a veteran defensive tackle who has been very productive throughout his career. He has 53.5 career sacks, including 3.0 in 2022. He is a good run-stopper and can also generate pressure on the quarterback. He would be a good addition to the Lions' defensive line.
10. Jarrad Davis, Inside Linebacker, New York Jets
Davis is a young and talented inside linebacker who has shown a lot of potential. He is a good tackler and is also good in coverage. He had 109 tackles and two interceptions in 2022. He would be a good addition to the Lions' linebacker corps.