The Detroit Lions have done a great job of revamping their defense this offseason. That side of the ball was their biggest weakness during the 2022 season when they just missed out on the playoffs despite going 9-8. Heading into 2023, Detroit looks like they will be much improved on that side of the ball.
The secondary, which struggled to slow down any passing attacks last season, has been upgraded in a big way. Cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley were signed in free agency along with safety C.J. Garnder-Johnson. What was once a weakness for the Lions has now turned into a strength.
Next up on the to-do list for Detroit should be finding some help along the defensive line. Defensive tackle is their most pressing need currently, as they were gashed by opponents in the middle of the field.
They gave up 5.2 yards per carry, which was 30th in the NFL. Improvements to the front seven could also lead to improving the pass defense as a more consistent pass rush would be present. Detroit was also 30th in passing yards allowed at 245.8 yards per game.
The Lions are in a position to address the defensive line needs with the No. 6 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But, if the board doesn’t fall their way, are there other avenues they could pursue? One could be calling the Buffalo Bills and inquiring about Ed Oliver.
There were rumors swirling earlier in the offseason that Oliver could be traded after he made some cryptic posts on social media hinting at his time with the franchise being over. For now, Oliver remains a Bill and general manager Brandon Beane has hinted at wanting to extend that relationship.
But, what if there was truth to those rumors and they did want to move Oliver? What could a trade between the Lions and Bills look like? Detroit could offer a second-round pick (No.55 overall) and a fifth-round pick (No. 159 overall) to Buffalo in exchange for Oliver.
For Buffalo, they would clear $10.7 million more in cap space. That would make it easier to add someone such as wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to bolster the offense. The extra draft capital wouldn’t hurt to help replenish the roster as Buffalo has only six selections in this year’s draft.
For the Lions, they address a major need along their defensive line with the addition of Oliver. He would provide them with a solid presence there with Aidan Hutchinson, James Houston and hopefully a rookie pass rusher working off the edge.
Seeking a lucrative contract extension, the Lions have the means to accommodate that as well. They currently have the third-most cap space available in the league and that number jumps even higher in 2024. Fitting a long-term deal for Oliver wouldn’t be a problem, but if a player such as Jalen Carter is available at No. 6, that could be the direction Detroit goes to fill their defensive tackle void.
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