Dan Campbell, the Detroit Lions head coach, suggested last week that he didn’t anticipate the team making any major moves before the NFL trade deadline. On Monday, he echoed that sentiment, stating he couldn’t confirm what the team might or might not do before the deadline at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Campbell mentioned that he and general manager Brad Holmes had just finished analyzing the game tape from their recent loss to the Minnesota Vikings and hadn’t yet shifted focus to trade discussions. “We’ve just been evaluating the game and discussing player performances. We haven’t had a chance to dive into trade talks yet,” Campbell explained.
While Campbell typically leaves most trade decisions to Holmes, he pointed out that the process is collaborative. If Holmes sees an opportunity to improve the roster, he’ll bring it up, and Campbell also shares his own thoughts on potential needs and player acquisitions.
Heading into the deadline, rumors have swirled around the Lions exploring trades for cornerbacks, edge rushers, and safeties. However, following the injury to starting left guard Christian Mahogany, the team now faces a significant issue on the offensive line. Mahogany is expected to be sidelined until at least late December due to a broken leg, and with the team already dealing with injuries to starting tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, the offensive line depth is even thinner.
In response, the Lions are considering their internal options to fill Mahogany’s spot, including Kayode Awosika, who stepped in for Mahogany during the game, veteran Trystan Colon, and practice squad members Michael Niese and Kingsley Eguakun.
When asked about his confidence in the current replacements, Campbell didn’t give a definitive answer but acknowledged the situation would warrant a discussion with Holmes before the deadline. “We’re evaluating everything. I can’t say if we’ll make a move or not, I need to talk to Brad,” Campbell noted.
With just hours remaining before the deadline, the Lions will have important decisions to make. Beyond Mahogany’s injury, the team was already looking to bolster their offensive line depth, and the trade deadline may be the right time to act.
On defense, the Lions are optimistic about the return of several injured players, including cornerback Terrion Arnold, who has already returned after missing two games, and cornerback DJ Reed, who could be activated from injured reserve soon. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez has also returned to practice, while the team is hopeful to get edge rusher Marcus Davenport and defensive end Josh Paschal back as well. These reinforcements should improve the team’s depth and overall performance.
Looking ahead, the Lions are set with multiple picks in the 2026 draft, including selections in the first, second, fourth, sixth, and seventh rounds. They’re also projected to receive a compensatory fourth-round pick for the departure of cornerback Carlton Davis. The team also has picks in every round for the 2027 draft, giving them flexibility in future years.



