The Detroit Lions are focused on strengthening their defense this offseason, particularly by adding support for star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
While Hutchinson emerged as a breakout player, his season-ending leg injury last year exposed the team’s lack of depth at the position. After his injury in October, the Lions struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, with no other player recording more than four sacks for the season.
One analyst believes the Lions could address this issue through a trade, potentially acquiring an edge rusher in need of a fresh start.
Potential Trade With the Eagles
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report proposed that the Lions could trade for Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Bryce Huff, offering a 2025 fourth-round and seventh-round pick in return.
Although the Lions signed Huff to a three-year, $51 million deal last offseason, injuries and inconsistent play limited his impact. Moton noted that Huff missed five games and, even when healthy, had a minimal effect, tallying just 13 tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Additionally, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio rarely utilized him, with Huff playing more than 47% of the snaps in only three of his 12 games. He was also inactive for Super Bowl LIX.
Given the Eagles’ depth on the defensive line, they might be open to moving Huff at a reasonable price, which could benefit a Lions team in need of a consistent pass rusher to complement Hutchinson.
“The Lions lack a dependable edge rusher aside from Hutchinson,” Moton explained. “Za’Darius Smith hasn’t been re-signed, and 2022 second-round pick Josh Paschal has yet to develop as expected. Meanwhile, Marcus Davenport re-signed with the team but has played in only six games over the past two seasons due to injuries. Huff could step in as a starter opposite Hutchinson on Detroit’s defensive line.”
Other Pass-Rushing Options
Detroit could also explore alternatives to address their pass-rushing needs. CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards suggested the Lions could use their No. 28 overall pick in the draft to select Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart.
While Stewart possesses the physical traits of a high-level pass rusher, his on-field production has been inconsistent. However, Edwards believes Detroit could be an ideal landing spot for him, allowing him to develop while Hutchinson commands attention from opposing offensive lines.
“Shemar Stewart has outstanding athletic potential for his size, but his production hasn’t matched it yet,” Edwards wrote. “In Detroit, he wouldn’t have to be the team’s top pass rusher right away, as Hutchinson already fills that role.”
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