The NFL trade deadline is just two weeks away, prompting teams to make crucial decisions about their rosters. Contenders are actively seeking to fill gaps as they gear up for the playoffs, while struggling teams may look to offload veterans for draft picks.
The wide receiver market has already seen significant activity, with notable trades including Davante Adams moving from the Raiders to the Jets, and Amari Cooper going to the Bills shortly after. On Wednesday morning, the Chiefs acquired DeAndre Hopkins following injuries to Rashee Rice and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
The Detroit Lions, currently sitting at 5-1 and leading the NFC North after defeating the Minnesota Vikings, are expected to be active in the trade market. Their offense has been impressive, with quarterback Jared Goff emerging as an MVP contender. However, the defense has faced challenges, particularly after superstar pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending broken leg against the Cowboys.
Despite this setback, the Lions remain Super Bowl contenders and may look to strengthen their roster before the November 5 trade deadline. Here are two potential trade targets:
1. Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders): As the Raiders shift into sell mode after trading Adams, Crosby could provide a major boost to the Lions’ pass rush. The Raiders are struggling and may consider trading Crosby for a significant return, potentially including multiple first-round picks. Crosby is a durable player, having missed only one game in his career, and he excels against both the run and pass, boasting 33.5 sacks in 40 games since 2022.
2. Denzel Ward (Cleveland Browns): With the Browns at 1-6 and losing quarterback Deshaun Watson for the season, Ward could be an option for the Lions. In his seventh season, Ward leads the NFL in pass breakups and has 15 career interceptions. While the Browns might be hesitant to trade him, a deal could be more affordable compared to elite pass rushers.
Alternatively, if the Lions prefer less high-profile trades, they might consider younger pass rushers like Azeez Ojulari from the New York Giants or Josh Uche from the New England Patriots. Pass rusher is the Lions’ most pressing need, so they are likely to be proactive as the deadline approaches.
