A bold NFL Draft trade proposal has captured the attention of Detroit Lions fans, suggesting a move that could dramatically reshape the team’s defense. According to Mike Payton of A to Z Sports, the Lions could attempt a massive trade-up in the 2026 NFL Draft to land an elite edge rusher and create a dominant pass-rushing duo.

While the concept is exciting, a closer look shows why this scenario is far more fantasy than reality.

---

Proposed Trade: Lions Jump Into Top 3

Payton’s proposal has the Lions trading with the Arizona Cardinals to move from No. 17 to No. 3 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Proposed package:

No. 17 pick (2026)

No. 50 pick (2026)

2027 second-round pick

2027 third-round pick

With the No. 3 pick, Detroit would select David Bailey, a productive edge rusher from Texas Tech.

The goal would be to pair Bailey with Aidan Hutchinson, giving the Lions one of the most feared pass-rushing tandems in the NFL.

---

Why the Idea Is Attractive for Detroit

From a football standpoint, the logic is clear.

Bailey posted impressive numbers during the 2025 season:

81 pressures

15 sacks

40 run stops

The Lions already ranked among the league’s top sack teams. Adding another explosive edge rusher could push Detroit into elite territory and potentially create the NFL’s most dangerous pass rush.

On paper, this move would instantly elevate the defense.

---

The Big Issue: Trade Value Doesn’t Add Up

The problem is the price.

Moving from No. 17 to No. 3 is one of the most expensive jumps in the entire draft. Based on NFL Draft trade value charts, the proposed compensation falls well short of what the Cardinals would likely demand.

Historically, trades into the top three usually require:

At least one future first-round pick

Or a proven veteran player included in the deal

The Cardinals would be passing on a potential franchise cornerstone at No. 3. That kind of asset is not moved for mid-first and Day 2 picks alone. In realistic terms, Arizona would almost certainly reject this offer.

---

Concerns About David Bailey as a Top-Three Pick

Another major factor is the player involved.

Bailey is productive and explosive, but he is not considered a universally elite prospect. Evaluators still debate:

His technical development

His long-term ceiling

How well his game will translate to the NFL

Top-three selections are typically reserved for rare, low-risk prospects viewed as franchise changers. Trading a massive haul for a player with mixed evaluations is a gamble that can set a team back if it fails.

---

Why This Trade Doesn’t Match Brad Holmes’ Strategy

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes has built the roster with discipline and long-term vision. While he has shown a willingness to be aggressive, he has consistently prioritized:

Draft value

Roster flexibility

Controlled risk

This trade would require:

Overpaying in draft capital

Betting heavily on a non-consensus elite prospect

Reducing future draft flexibility

With a strong defensive front already in place, the Lions do not need to force a top-three selection to improve their pass rush.

---

Final Verdict

The idea of pairing David Bailey with Aidan Hutchinson is undeniably appealing and would make the Detroit Lions defense terrifying on paper.

However, when considering:

The massive leap from No. 17 to No. 3

The mismatch in trade value

The risk associated with the player

This proposal remains a “what-if” scenario rather than a realistic outcome.

If Detroit makes a major draft move, it will likely be one that balances football impact with smart asset management. This one may be fun to imagine, but it doesn’t align with how successful teams actually operate.