The Detroit Lions’ bye week has brought a sense of clarity to their roster needs, and one thing is clear: they need to bolster their pass rush. With Aidan Hutchinson out for the season, the Lions are in dire need of a top-tier edge rusher to complement their existing talent. And according to analysts, one player stands out as the perfect fit: Jaelan Phillips.

Why Jaelan Phillips Makes Sense

Phillips has been a solid performer this season, playing over 70% of his team’s defensive snaps and racking up two sacks, two tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits. His pass rush grade of 79.7 from Pro Football Focus is the second-best of his career, and he would fit seamlessly into the Lions’ defense. With Phillips, the Lions would have a formidable pass-rushing duo alongside Al-Quadin Muhammad.

Benefits of the Trade

Acquiring Phillips would not only address the Lions’ pass rush needs but also provide depth to their defensive line. The Lions’ current pass rush rotation has been playing well, but the drop-off after Hutchinson and Muhammad leaves much to be desired. Phillips would provide a boost to the team’s pass rush and give them a more robust defensive front.

Potential Roadblocks

One potential obstacle in acquiring Phillips is his contract status and injury history. Phillips is in the final year of his rookie contract and has had injuries in the past, which could impact his price tag. However, with the Miami Dolphins likely entering a rebuild, they may be willing to trade Phillips for a lower price than expected.

Other Options

While Phillips is an attractive target, the Lions may also consider other options, such as ¹ ²:

– Trey Hendrickson: The Cincinnati Bengals’ edge rusher has been linked to the Lions in trade rumors, and his playing style would fit well with the team’s defense.

– Za’Darius Smith: The veteran edge rusher has been mentioned as a potential target for the Lions, and his experience playing in the NFC North would be valuable.

– DeMarcus Lawrence: The Dallas Cowboys’ edge rusher is in the final year of his contract, and the team may be willing to trade him if they decide to rebuild.

Conclusion

The Lions’ top pass rush trade target couldn’t be more obvious during bye week. Jaelan Phillips is a talented edge rusher who would fit seamlessly into the Lions’ defense and provide a much-needed boost to their pass rush. While there may be other options available, Phillips is an attractive target for the Lions to consider before the trade deadline ³.