The Detroit Lions are the breakout team of the 2023 NFL season, making the transition from NFC North contender to a potential Super Bowl threat. If Detroit wants to end its championship drought, though, the 2023 NFL trade deadline could prove crucial.
There’s no denying the strength of this roster. Entering NFL games today, the Lions have a top-10 offense and one of the best defenses in the NFL. Of course, when competing against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, the path to competing for a Super Bowl can always be made easier.
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Let’s dive into four Detroit Lions trade targets who could put this team over the top.
Brian Burns, edge rusher, Carolina Panthers
In many ways, the Lions’ defense is one of the best in football. Heading into Week 7, Detroit allowed the fifth-lowest yards per play average (4.7) and ranked eighth in passer rating allowed (79.6) with the fewest rushing yards allowed (64.7) per contest. Yet, there are clear areas for improvement.
Despite Aidan Hutchinson’s success in his second season, the Lions have the sixth-lowest ESPN pass-rush win rate (35%) and are 16th in sacks (15). With defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn not using the blitz very often (20%, third-lowest in NFL), the Lions could use another game-changing edge rusher.
Brian Burns is that player. While he is in a contract year, Detroit could use the franchise tag on him in 2024. There’s also the likelihood that any team that trades for Burns would only make a deal if the two sides could agree to a long-term contract extension.
As for Burns’ impact, the numbers say everything. Despite being double-teamed on 23 percent of his pass-rushing attempts, he is still delivering one of the highest pass-rush win rates in football (27%). Plus, he has 15 pressures and four sacks to show for it. Adding Burns would give Detroit a top-five defense.
Davante Adams, wide receiver, Detroit Lions
Amon-Ra St. Brown is a phenomenal offensive weapon and the engine of the Lions’ passing game. On the verge of earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection, the 23-year-old is an outstanding slot receiver. However, the best path to scoring a lot of points and winning games is with a true No. 1 perimeter receiver.
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Davante Adams is that guy. The Las Vegas Raiders wideout is very frustrated with his current situation. While a lack of targets is part of the problem, the future Hall of Famer has made it clear his first priority is winning. Landing with the Detroit Lions would mean sacrificing his target share, but it accomplishes his No. 1 goal.
It would also provide Detroit with a chance at having arguably the best offense in the league. With St. Brown working underneath and breakout tight end Sam LaPorta operating in open space, defenses wouldn’t be able to double-team Adams outside. Plus, whatever extra attention he drew from the safety would give Jameson Williams one-on-one matchups and his speed will help him win those battles.
Then think about what that does for the run game. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs already have the benefit of playing behind a top-five offensive line. If you add Adams and Williams is health, opponents will have to prioritize stopping Ben Johnson’s passing attack first. It will create wide-open rushing lanes and more 10-plus yard runs for Montgomery and Gibbs.
Kendrick Bourne, wide receiver, New England Patriots
Naturally, our top Lions trade targets would be expensive. If Detroit acquired either Davante Adams or Brian Burns, it would need to sacrifice its first-round pick. For a front office that prioritizes the draft-and-develop philosophy and has some young stars headed for paydays in a few years, those draft picks have added value.
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We still view wide receiver as a bit of a need for the Lions’ offense. While Detroit’s coaching staff is very high on Williams, staying on the field has been a big problem for him and he hasn’t been productive aside from two splash plays. As for Josh Reynolds, he’s more well-suited as a complementary No. 3 wideout.
Kendrick Bourne becomes an intriguing cost-effective option. The New England Patriots will likely be open to discussing all of their players on expiring contracts, which includes Bourne. As for what he brings to the table, the 6-foot-1 receiver ranks 12th in average cushion created (6.49 yards). When the Patriots offense wasn’t struggling in 2022, he averaged 4.1 yards after catch per reception and New England’s quarterbacks had a 92.0 QB rating when targeting him (PFF). Bourne isn’t flashy, but he would be a solid receiving option for Detroit.
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Jaylon Johnson, cornerback, Detroit Lions
Adding a pass rusher should be Detroit’s bigger priority as creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks is the best path to having success defensively. With that said, there’s also room to improve in the secondary and Jaylon Johnson would be a nice fit in Detroit.
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While injuries have been a bit of an issue for Johnson, he’s played well when healthy. In the Lions’ defense, Johnson could legitimately be the No.1 cornerback. It would allow Glenn to push Cameron Sutton into a better role, lining him up more often against No. 2 wide receivers.
Notably, per Pro Football Focus, Johnson has allowed just a 41.7% completion rate when targeted this season and that’s the fourth-lowest mark in football among qualified cornerbacks. He’s also only ceded 73 receiving yards on 17 targets in his direction. If you add Johnson to the Lions’ secondary, it will become much easier for the defensive front to dial up pressures and record more sacks.