D.J. ReaderGregory Shamus/Getty Images
Cap Space (per Spotrac): $59 million
Biggest Positions of Need: Cornerback, Edge-Rusher, Wide Receiver
Top Trade Assets: DL D.J. Reader, CB Amik Robertson, WR Kalif Raymond
The Lions are well-positioned to continue being a contender in the NFC. Losing former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is going to hurt, but they have the resources to keep their roster together next season. However, if they were to turn over some of their roster to keep cap flexibility and add some draft picks, then D.J. Reader could be a consideration. The Lions just handed Alim McNeill a massive contract extension, and Levi Onwuzurike is a free agent. Reader remains a good run-stuffing nose tackle, but the Lions could get younger by trading away the 30-year-old.
Amik Robertson and Kalif Raymond could be complementary pieces that hold more value with another team. Robertson was a part of the Lions’ overhaul at the cornerback position, but they have Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. who will be second-year players. Kalif Raymond is an underrated receiver, but he’s 30 years old and trading him could clear the way for younger player to take on a larger role.
Top Trade Targets: S Tyrann Mathieu, EDGE Maxx Crosby, WR DK Metcalf
The Lions are the perfect candidate to chase some big names on the trade market. After suffering a massive upset in the playoffs, they have the kind of roster that could be one piece away from contending for a Super Bowl. They also happen to have the cap space to take on a big contract. Their financial window to spend big is closing, and a trade to bring in another star would be understandable.
Safety isn’t exactly a major need, but the idea of pairing Tyrann Mathieu with Brian Branch in the secondary would give the Lions a lot of flexibility. Mathieu is still a playmaker, and the Saints might be willing to listen to a compelling offer given their tight cap situation.
The Raiders are going through a changing of the guard and Maxx Crosby has already fought against trade rumors. If there’s a team that should be willing to put together a massive offer to try and change his mind, it’s the Lions. Pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson would give opposing offensive lines fits.
Giving the offense another star receiver to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown could make the Lions offense an even bigger headache for defenses. DK Metcalf is one of the biggest stars who could be moved.
Hypothetical Trade We’d Love to See: 2025 first-round pick (No. 28 overall), 2026 first-round pick, QB Hendon Hooker for EDGE Maxx Crosby, 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 144 overall)
This one would be fun for a few reasons. For one, the Lions would be pushing their chips to the middle of the table in a major way. They would have a pass-rushing trio of Aidan Hutchinson, Crosby and Za’Darius Smith. The defense is losing its coordinator in Aaron Glenn, so the sheer talent on the defensive line could help new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard keep things going in the right direction.
This would be a massive price to pay for Crosby. Two first-round picks and a young quarterback in Hooker, who could wind up being a starter, is not an easy package to give up. However, the move could make the Lions the prohibitive favorite to win the championship next season.
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