The Detroit Lions addressed several roster needs during the 2026 offseason through the NFL Draft and undrafted free agency, but one analyst believes the team could still look to the trade market to strengthen a key area of the defense.

Lions Could Target DT T.J. Slaton in Trade

According to Christian Booher of Sports Illustrated, Detroit could consider pursuing T. J. Slaton from the Cincinnati Bengals to bolster the interior defensive line.

During the draft, Detroit added edge rushers Derrick Moore and Tyre West, giving star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson additional support on the outside. However, the team may still lack depth along the middle of the defensive front.

Booher pointed out that Detroit’s defensive line became thinner after the departures of Roy Lopez and D. J. Reader, leaving the Lions with fewer experienced interior options.

Slaton Coming Off Career-Best Season

The 6-foot-5, 340-pound Slaton is coming off the most productive season of his career. In 2025, he recorded 52 total tackles, 3.0 sacks, and seven quarterback hits, establishing himself as a strong run defender.

However, Booher suggested that Cincinnati’s offseason moves could make Slaton available on the trade market. The Bengals signed veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and also traded their first-round draft pick to the New York Giants to acquire star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

With additional talent now on the defensive line, Slaton could become expendable in Cincinnati’s rotation.

Affordable Contract Makes Slaton Attractive Option

Financially, Slaton would represent a relatively low-risk move for Detroit. Booher noted that the defensive tackle is scheduled to earn a base salary of $5.72 million with a prorated signing bonus of $2.5 million in the final year of his contract.

Because the deal expires after the season, acquiring Slaton would not create a long-term financial commitment and would likely only require a Day 3 draft pick in return.

For a Lions team still looking to maximize its championship window, the move could provide immediate depth without sacrificing significant future assets.

Lions Already Added Depth With Jay Tufele

Detroit has already begun reinforcing its defensive line after the draft by signing free-agent defensive tackle Jay Tufele, who previously played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Tufele has appeared in 46 career games with seven starts, totaling 56 tackles, three tackles for loss, one pass defensed, and half a sack.

According to Scott Springgate of USA Today’s Lions Wire, the addition gives Detroit needed depth at a position that lost key contributors this offseason.

Although Tufele is not considered a traditional nose tackle, his size and strength add another interior option alongside rookies Skyler Gill-Howard and Tyre West.

Lions Still Have Roster Flexibility

The Lions still have flexibility to make additional moves before offseason practices ramp up. Detroit currently has three open spots on its 90-man roster, leaving the door open for further signings or potential trades.

If the front office decides more help is needed in the middle of the defensive line, Slaton could emerge as a cost-effective trade target heading into the 2026 season.