Players Detroit Lions Could Trade for at NFL Trade Deadline

The NFL trade deadline is set for Tuesday, and the Detroit Lions could make a major move. 

Lions general manager Brad Holmes has shown aggressiveness in the past. Though savvy with his decisions, the leader has been quick to act in the event of making a move to benefit the team. 

With a 5-2 start and plenty of optimism, the 2023 season is one that could be memorable for Lions fans. Holmes has a chance to bolster the talent on the roster with a strong deadline performance. 

Here are eight players the Lions could trade for before Tuesday's deadline. 

EDGE Danielle Hunter

The Lions' biggest rival to their NFC North throne is also currently the team that has made plenty of deals with them. Holmes and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have made multiple moves together within the last year. 

Now, Detroit could utilize this connection to make a massive trade. Aidan Hutchinson needs a running mate on the edge, and Hunter would fit perfectly. Given the familiarity between the two teams, this would be an ideal move. 

CB Darnay Holmes

Holmes has been an up-and-down corner for the Giants in the past, but has fallen out of favor in 2023. He took a pay cut this offseason to preserve his roster spot with New York, and could be a wise investment for Detroit. 

The Lions' secondary questions boil down to their confidence in Jerry Jacobs and those behind him. Detroit has Cam Sutton as a reliable number one, but a player like Holmes could offer valuable insurance behind Jacobs. 

Will Harris has struggled in his opportunities on the outside. Because of this, Detroit should be looking for upgrades at the cornerback position in the short term. 

WR Terrace Marshall

Marshall was granted permission to seek a trade earlier in the month. He has been a moderately productive receiver for the Panthers since entering the league in 2021 as a second-round pick. 

He possesses solid speed, and has been a reliable receiver from a hands perspective. He's struggled to assert himself in Carolina's offense, notching just 16 catches throughout the season to this point. 

If he were to be moved to Detroit, the Lions would be making a low-risk move to add a depth receiver. Marshall's production may not warrant the use of a high pick, and Holmes has made multiple moves to add receiver depth in his three-year tenure as the team's GM. 

S Justin Simmons

Simmons is a premier player in the secondary who would come with a bit of an expense. The veteran has another season remaining on his contract, which would make the addition come at a cost.

Still, the injury to C.J. Gardner-Johnson has created a hole in the secondary. Should the Lions add Simmons, he would offer valuable depth at the very least. He would create competition with Kerby Joseph, which would be beneficial and bring out the best in both players. 

DL Malcolm Roach

The Saints defensive lineman has performed at a high level this season, earning a Pro Football Focus defensive grade of 74.9. That production would improve Detroit's defensive interior. 

Outside of Alim McNeill, the interior has lacked a true star. Isaiah Buggs has emerged as a reliable player, but the depth in this area is otherwise lacking. 

Roach has been a member of the Saints since 2020, which was defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's final season as the secondary coach in New Orleans. There's an element of familiarity there, which could help the player acclimate quickly in the event of a trade. 

OLB Josh Uche

Teams reportedly have interest in the talented EDGE rusher. Uche has been somewhat underwhelming in his third professional season, notching just two sacks to this point in the season. 

Uche also is dealing with an ankle injury, and was ruled out for Sunday's game. Any deal would have to come with the assurance that the defender's health won't be a long-term issue. 

The Michigan product brings high upside, with the potential to have a similar impact as James Houston last year. Uche is a better rusher, along with better skills in coverage. This type of versatile player could be exactly what Detroit's defense needs.

WR Darnell Mooney

Mooney has been somewhat phased out of Chicago's offense since the acquisition of D.J. Moore. In seven games this season, he has just 14 catches. 

After Marvin Jones' departure and with Jameson Williams' early struggles, the Lions could benefit from adding receiver depth. Mooney has 196 career receptions, and brings proven ability. 

With him being potentially expendable, the Bears' asking price could be driven down. Mooney is super talented, and could wind up playing a valuable role, should he be given a fresh start. 

EDGE Chase Young

If the Lions are looking to make the ultimate upside move, Young is precisely the player they need. In his fourth season in the league, the former No. 2 overall pick has been excellent at times, and has struggled with injuries at other times.

His fifth-year option was declined by Washington, meaning that he will be a free agent at season's end. As a result, trading for the Ohio State product will mean that Detroit would only be making a half-season commitment. 

Young's Commanders are struggling through the early part of the season, leading many to believe that he and Montez Sweat could be on the move. Detroit needs to upgrade its pass rush, and Young has an immense ceiling.