According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Brad Holmes has been making inquiries on EDGE players ahead of the NFL’s November trade deadline. However, it’s unlikely the Lions will enter into a trade at this time.
Why The Detroit Lions Are Unlikely To Trade For a Premier Edge Rusher
Although the Bye week offers an opportunity for injured players to heal, memories of last season’s cataclysmic injury avalanche loom large. Despite how well the Lions’ reserve defenders played Monday night, Holmes could be looking to strengthen the roster’s depth with veteran players who can make an immediate impact.
Following Monday’s strong defensive performance, Dan Campbell acknowledged there is still room for improvement. “We’re 5-2 at the bye, and when we come back, we’ve got to continue to improve. We’ve got to evolve and improve, and we’re in a race to improve, quite frankly, with everybody else, particularly those in our division.”
Potential Trade Candidates For Detroit
Here are three candidates for the Lions to consider at EDGE.
Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals
While Detroit fans may be dreaming of Holmes negotiating a trade for Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro EDGE Trey Hendrickson, that’s unlikely to happen. Currently on a one-year $29 million extension with Cincinnati, Hendrickson is looking for a massive long-term deal.
Hendrickson’s price tag is likely too high for the salary cap-strapped Lions. In addition, with Joe Flacco resuscitating a Bengals team that was on life support, Cincinnati still has hopes of making the playoffs. Unless Hendrickson demands to be traded, the team is unlikely to part with their top defender.
Jermaine Johnson, LB, New York Jets
The 0-7 New York Jets are in a dismal spot. A key trade offering desirable draft picks to secure the team’s future is an attractive option. Therefore, Jermaine Johnson, the former ACC Defensive Player Of The Year in 2021, could become one of New York’s top trade targets.
A former first-round pick for the Jets in 2022, Johnson is currently in the fifth year of his contract. The 6’5” 245 lb. former Georgia Bulldog is coming back from a torn Achilles tendon suffered last year against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.
Johnson had his best year in 2023 with 55 tackles (28 solo), 7.5 sacks, seven pass defenses, and a pick-six. After missing three games this season due to an ankle injury, Johnson is back in the Jets lineup. Upon his return in Week 6, he recorded two pressures, three tackles, and a huge fourth-quarter sack against Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
According to his head coach, Aaron Glenn, “Jermaine, he’s just one of these good players that brings good energy.” “I am a strong believer that we can only control what we can control,” Johnson rallied his teammates late in the game. “Every time we step out on that field, we have a legacy to uphold individually and collectively.”
Johnson’s return helped the Jets’ defense achieve its best showing of the season, allowing only 246 total yards and 13 points. In four games this season, Johnson has 15 tackles (eight solo),1.0 sack, and a pass defense.
Fit for Detroit
Johnson may be a good fit for the Lions. However, although he seems to have recovered from his Achilles injury, is he more susceptible to future injuries? Would Glenn entertain a trade for Johnson right now?
Arden Key, EDGE, Tennessee Titans
Like the Jets, the Tennessee Titans are another team that would willingly trade a player in exchange for future draft capital. The team has floundered under head coach Brian Callahan, following the departure of head coach Mike Vrabel and All-Pro running back Derrick Henry. Titans EDGE Arden Key has been mentioned as an attractive trade target. The eight-year veteran was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2018 draft.
After spending time with the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee acquired the 6’4″, 240 lb. Key two years ago. In his first year with the Titans, Key registered 57 quarterback pressures, which was the second highest on the team. Last season, he recorded 42 tackles along with a career best 6.5 sacks.
Fit for Detroit
Key offers positional versatility for the Lions. While he’s potentially being “shopped” as an EDGE trade target, Key’s role on the team is that of an outside linebacker with Sebastian Joseph-Day as the starting EDGE. However, that versatility in playing both positions could be viewed as an added advantage by the Lions.
Lions Unlikely Trade Partners For Either Player
Campbell has built a team culture of close-knit players. They regard each other as family and have each other’s backs. If a player is injured or going through hardship, the others step up. When team injuries gutted the secondary, leaving inexperienced reserve players in their place, other position players were there to lend a hand.
When Lions’ safety Brian Branch was publicly flogged for the incident leading to his suspension, the team showed their support. Offended by the video that circulated, Branch’s teammates proudly wore his jersey in a show of unity
It’s to be expected that an outside veteran player may need more time to learn the system and the game plan. But fitting the culture is even more important. It takes longer still to build that kind of relationship and trust. Last year, Holmes was very fortunate. Za’Darius Smith was a perfect fit in terms of team culture and his style of play.
The Verdict
This year, the question is whether a trade is an absolute necessity. Aidan Hutchinson is healthy and having another Pro Bowl year. Al-Quadin Muhammad has been playing extremely well. Alim McNeill is back in action and playing very well. Marcus Davenport is expected to return next month. While Josh Paschal’s status is up in the air, Andre Carter has been taking reps on the practice squad.
Trades are costly ventures. With Holmes having great success building the roster through the draft, he is unlikely to part with next year’s draft picks unless he is sure the player is another ideal fit.
Main Image: Junfu Han – Imagn Images
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