The Detroit Lions faced a significant setback to their defense when Aidan Hutchinson suffered a fractured leg, but a new report suggests reinforcements might be on the way before the trade deadline.
Jared Ramsey of the Detroit Free Press outlined potential targets for the Lions as the Nov. 5 trade deadline approaches, highlighting former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney as a strong candidate. Ramsey pointed out that the Carolina Panthers, currently at 2-7, might be open to trading assets like Clowney as they focus on their rebuild.
If the Panthers are willing to deal, the Lions could be a natural trade partner, Ramsey speculated.
Lions Could Strengthen Pass Rush
The Lions lost their top pass rusher when Hutchinson was injured during a game against the Dallas Cowboys, leaving a notable gap in their defensive line. Ramsey noted that Clowney could be an ideal addition for a Detroit team eager to boost their pass rush.
“Despite a narrow win over the Titans on Sunday, the Panthers are still in contention for the first overall pick in the 2025 draft, sitting at 2-7,” Ramsey wrote. “Carolina might look to trade defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal after posting 9½ sacks with the Ravens in 2023. Clowney, 31, has missed two games this season due to a shoulder injury and has tallied one sack and three tackles for loss in seven games.”
Clowney has long been considered a likely trade candidate, with other reports backing that prediction. SI.com’s Albert Breer mentioned in October that the Panthers would likely “get calls on everyone” leading up to the deadline, with Clowney being among the top players potentially moved.
“And given the demand for pass-rushers, assuming his health improves in the coming days, I would include Jadeveon Clowney in the group of players, along with Cleveland’s Za’Darius Smith and Green Bay’s Preston Smith, who could be moved,” Breer wrote.
Ramsey also mentioned other possible targets for the Lions, including Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith and New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young, both of whom are rumored to be available ahead of the trade deadline.
Lions Ready to Make a Move
As Ramsey noted, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has expressed interest in adding more talent before the deadline, though he acknowledged the outcome is beyond their control.
“I don’t think it’s entirely up to us,” Campbell said, via the Detroit Free Press. “I can tell you we’re trying, Brad (Holmes) is working on it, and we’ve explored all options. We’ve made a lot of calls, so we’ll see. We’ve still got a little time left before tomorrow evening, so we’ll see what happens.”
Campbell added that while he’s confident in the team’s current defensive lineup, they may look to pick up players from practice squads to address any roster gaps after the trade deadline.
With the Lions sitting at 7-1 and leading the NFC after a win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, they may be extra motivated to reinforce their roster.
