The Detroit Lions entered Week 7 atop the 2023 NFL power rankings and with the field of Super Bowl contenders wide-open, the Lions reportedly could be very aggressive at the NFL trade deadline.
Entering NFL games today, the Lions are in a fantastic position. Not only do they have one of the easiest remaining schedules in 2023, but they statistically have one of the best offenses and best NFL defenses in 2023. While there are still long-term cap issues and contracts to manage, the Lions could be extremely active ahead of the trade deadline on Oct. 31.
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From a financial perspective, Detroit has just under $7 million in cap space ($6.4 million right now). While that doesn’t give them a ton of room to operate, a few contract adjustments could open up significant space in the short term and create the flexibility for a huge addition. It might be exactly what the Lions’ front office is looking at right now.
Yahoo Sports NFL insider Charles Robinson addressed the Lions’ approach to the NFL trade deadline on the Inside Coverage podcast, sharing that Detroit is expected to act leading up to Oct. 31. He also named the Lions as one of three teams who are viewed as buyers around the league.
“I think Detroit thinks they have something and I think they’re like, this is real, what we have is legitimate. We can start taking a shot right now. If there’s a shot for us to take, I would guess it might be a defensive player to add here.”
Charles Robinson on the Detroit Lions’ approach to the 2023 NFL trade deadline
Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns would be an ideal trade candidate for Detroit. While he’s in a contract year and carries a $16 million cap hit, Burns fits everything Detroit wants. Already a two-time Pro Bowl selection, Burns has racked up 42 career sacks despite not having a lot of defensive help around him.
If he was traded to Detroit, Burns would form an outstanding pass-rushing duo with edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. For defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, adding Burns would allow him to do even more defensively. The Lions rely heavily on their defensive linemen and pass rushers to create pressure, entering Week 7 with the fourth-lowest blitz rate (20%) in the NFL.
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It’s also very possible Detroit will pursue more cost-effective options. The Lions could package their 2024 second-round pick or two third-round picks (2024 Minnesota Vikings selection) to acquire a cornerback or wide receiver.
While the Lions do have one of the best passing attacks in the NFL, there’s an argument to be made that another impact wide receiver would be really beneficial. With Amon-Ra St. Brown spending a lot of time in the slot, someone like Davante Adams or Courtland Sutton could appeal to Detroit as a complementary outside wide receiver to help Jared Goff.
Due to the depth of the Lions’ roster and the wealth of young talent they have starting on both sides of the ball, Detroit is better positioned than other contenders to make a big move. If the right piece is acquired, as the Los Angeles Rams proved a few years ago, it could lead to a Super Bowl run.