Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa is reportedly linked to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Detroit Lions have been mentioned as potential trade partners for star edge rushers like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby. However, one insider believes another defensive player will end up in Detroit this offseason.
Gary Davenport from Bleacher Report analyzed a number of potential offseason trades, including one where the Lions acquire Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa for a relatively low price.
Davenport suggested that the Lions could take a chance on Bosa, who has dealt with a string of injuries and has played over 10 games just once in the last three years. He thinks the Chargers might be ready to move on from Bosa, seeking some return instead of releasing him and getting nothing.
“There’s a reason the 2016 No. 3 overall pick has been discussed as a trade or even a cut candidate throughout the offseason—particularly if the Chargers want to re-sign fellow edge rusher Khalil Mack,” Davenport explained.
“The Detroit Lions have been discussed as a possible trade partner for several edge rushers, including stars like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett.” Davenport proposed the idea that the Lions could land Bosa with a 2025 fourth-round pick, providing some support and depth behind top edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Bosa made the Pro Bowl in 2024, playing 14 games and registering 5.0 sacks with 22 total tackles. Despite being part of the trade speculation, Davenport pointed out that the Chargers seem determined to keep Bosa in 2025.
Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz mentioned that Bosa is content in Los Angeles and hopes to finish his career there—something the Chargers wish to support.
“I know he wants to retire a Charger,” he said. “I’d love for him to retire a Charger. I love Joey—the teammate, the competitor.” However, Davenport noted that offseason promises don’t always hold up, and the Chargers could still be open to trading Bosa if the deal is right.
The Lions struggled to establish a reliable pass rush behind Hutchinson, with no other player approaching the 7.5 sacks Hutchinson had before his season-ending injury in October.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes told reporters that the team is not looking for a single major trade to fill the gap, but rather a series of moves that would help deepen the position.
“We have a top-tier rusher now; do we want another? Yes, we’d like to have three or four top-tier rushers,” Holmes said, via SI.com. “That’s not always possible, but it’s definitely not being overlooked. I can’t think of any time this year when pass-rusher wasn’t part of our discussions. It won’t be ignored.”
