The Detroit Lions already possess one of the NFL’s most promising defensive cornerstones in defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. At just 25 years old, Hutchinson has already built an impressive résumé, earning two Pro Bowl selections and a second-team All-Pro nod while emerging as a legitimate candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

Even with Hutchinson anchoring the edge, Detroit continues to look for ways to strengthen its defensive front this offseason. Adding another disruptive lineman could help reduce the constant double teams Hutchinson faces from opposing offenses.

Vacchiano floated a trade proposal in which Detroit would send its 2026 first-round draft selection along with a 2027 second-round pick to Tennessee in exchange for Simmons.

According to Vacchiano, although the Titans chose not to move Simmons at last season’s trade deadline, it may become a more realistic possibility in the near future. With new head coach Robert Saleh leading the team, parting with their top defender might seem unlikely. However, Simmons’ contract expires after next season, and Tennessee must decide whether its competitive window aligns with keeping him long-term.

Meanwhile, Detroit is in a very different situation. The Lions are firmly in win-now mode and could benefit greatly from reinforcing their defensive front. Bringing in a dominant interior lineman like Simmons would make it far more difficult for offenses to focus solely on stopping Hutchinson, potentially transforming Detroit’s pass rush into one of the league’s most dangerous units.

While Simmons plays defensive tackle rather than edge rusher, his impact inside would still be significant. The Titans signed him to a four-year, $94 million deal, and he has consistently produced at an elite level.

Last season, Simmons delivered the best statistical campaign of his career, earning first-team All-Pro recognition after recording 11 sacks. He also tallied 17 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, and three passes defended.

In addition to his 2025 first-team All-Pro honor, Simmons has previously been named second-team All-Pro twice. Across seven NFL seasons, he has also received four Pro Bowl selections, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier defensive tackles.

Why Detroit Might Consider the Move

The trade scenario proposed by Vacchiano mirrors ideas floated by analysts in previous offseasons. It would represent an aggressive “all-in” approach designed to maximize Detroit’s current championship window.

Such a move is uncommon for teams that missed the playoffs the previous year. However, the Lions were recently coming off an outstanding 15-2 season in which they dominated much of the league.

Pairing Simmons with Hutchinson could dramatically reshape Detroit’s defense. With both players capable of reaching double-digit sacks, opposing offenses would face constant pressure from both the edge and the interior.

Over the past five seasons, Simmons has averaged 7.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 14 quarterback hits annually. His performance last year suggested he may still be improving, as he posted career highs in several major categories.

Simmons is under contract through 2027, meaning Detroit could potentially enjoy a two-year window featuring a formidable Hutchinson-Simmons duo.

Detroit’s Current Defensive Line Situation

Of course, trading away a first-round pick would prevent Detroit from selecting a top defensive prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Lions could instead use that pick to strengthen other areas such as the offensive line or secondary.

Those roster needs could make a deal for Simmons less likely.

Still, defensive tackle has quietly become a concern for Detroit. The team lost veteran lineman D. J. Reader in free agency, leaving a gap in the middle of the defensive front.

Detroit does retain Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams at defensive tackle. However, Reader played a major role in 2025, logging 583 defensive snaps—more than any other player at the position.

Adding Simmons would not only strengthen the interior but also provide valuable depth.

The Lions’ current group of interior defenders also includes Levi Onwuzurike, Chris Smith, Mekhi Wingo, and Myles Adams.

On the edge, Detroit addressed the position in free agency by signing D. J. Wonnum and Payton Turner. Those additions could allow the team to focus more on improving the interior defensive line rather than drafting another edge rusher.

The roster also includes young edge defenders Tyler Lacy and Ahmed Hassanein, giving Detroit additional options along the defensive front.