Proposed Lions pass rusher trade would take defensive line from good to great

An already disruptive Detroit Lions front seven got stronger with standout defensive tackle Alim McNeill making his 2025 debut in Week 7. But what if we told you this group can be even scarier with just a single transaction?

Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News highlights Jaelan Phillips of the Miami Dolphins as Detroit's "ideal" target ahead of the NFL's November 4 trade deadline; whoa! If executive vice president/general manager Brad Holmes can make that a reality, it'd certainly bolster the two-time reigning NFC North champions' Super Bowl chances.

While the Lions don't necessarily need help on the perimeter, you can never have too many playmakers in this area. Phillips is a capable, well-rounded contributor with untapped potential on a downtrodden Dolphins club that figures to be sellers in the coming days. He could be the piece that elevates Detroit's defensive line from good to great.

Suggested Lions-Dolphins Jaelan Phillips trade elevates Detroit's pass rush to elite status

Iyer indicates that the Cincinnati Bengals' Trey Hendrickson would be the Lions' first choice, but the four-time Pro Bowler reportedly isn't available. So, pulling off a deal to pair Phillips with Detroit's star sack artist, Aidan Hutchinson, is the next best thing.

"With Hendrickson unlikely to happen ... [the Lions] can take a shot on another very effective would-be complement to Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aidan Hutchinson," Iyer wrote, referencing Phillips.

Phillips, 26, is quite a nice consolation prize for Hendrickson. The latter is certifiably better at getting to the quarterback, but age and versatility favor the former, making him an appealing option for Detroit.

Bookending the 25-year-old Hutchinson with Phillips would give the Lions one of the league's premier edge defender duos, with both firmly in their primes. It would set Detroit up nicely in the immediate and distant future, assuming they can retain each of them long-term, though that's the complicated part.

Hutchinson and the Lions have engaged in complicated contract extension talks but have yet to agree on a number. When the two sides (presumably) come to terms, the deal will conceivably land in the $40-plus million average annual value range. Meanwhile, Phillips is in the final year of his rookie pact and may command a nine-figure payday himself this coming offseason.

Logistical concerns aside, Phillips makes for a great addition to the Lions. Injuries derailed a promising career start in which he amassed 15.5 sacks across his first two seasons as a pro. Moreover, the 2021 first-round pick has parlayed rare athleticism and length to thrive as a run-stopper and can drop back in coverage if needed.