When talking about the Detroit Lions, it’s clear the team should seriously consider adding an edge rusher to line up opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Yes, it’s the offseason for both the Detroit Lions and every other team in the league, which means many of us who report on the NFL are enjoying a little speculation time. There’s no harm in that—it’s fun to imagine what might unfold once the real action begins.
With the Lions, the need for another edge rusher to support Aidan Hutchinson stands out. It’s not an urgent requirement, and GM Brad Holmes hasn’t sounded worried, but bringing in someone fresh at that position would improve depth and overall strength.
Now that we’re just months away from kickoff, one analyst has floated a trade idea that might land Detroit another edge rusher ahead of the season.
Mike Payton of A to Z Sports has suggested a trade that would send edge defender A.J. Epenesa to Detroit, while the Buffalo Bills would receive defensive tackle DJ Reader in return. The proposal is a straight one-for-one deal.
According to Payton, “there’s still a possibility” that the Lions “could re-sign Za’Darius Smith,” although it hasn’t happened yet. That addition would be fantastic, but as he explains, the move hasn’t materialized. With injuries always looming once the games begin, Smith could be among the first calls.
Payton also writes that dealing Reader “might seem a bit wild right now, especially with Alim McNeill out,” but notes that the Lions are deep along the interior defensive line—something even GM Holmes has pointed out. Plus, “it would free up $11.6 million in cap space immediately.”
He continues, saying the Lions “would absorb $3.6 million in dead cap next year,” but that money is already committed due to his void years kicking in during March. A portion of his signing bonus is still owed as well.
Ultimately, Payton describes the trade as “low risk, with a decent chance for upside. Maybe not major gains, but something worth exploring.”
On the other hand, Brad Berreman of SideLion Report grades the idea at just a C-. He says, “The thought of trading Reader isn’t absurd.” While PFF gave him a respectable ranking (No. 36 of 118 qualifying DTs), his Detroit debut wasn’t especially noteworthy.
He adds, “at this point, the Lions likely won’t make a splash move at edge rusher,” and any proposals must keep that in mind. He sums up the proposal with one word, focusing more on the incoming player than the one being sent away.
So, Detroit may have to start the year with thin depth at the position. We’ll have to hope Hutchinson stays healthy and productive.
