With the 2024 NFL trade deadline right around the corner, the Detroit Lions are in a prime position to make some big moves. Sitting at 5-1 and leading the NFC North, they’re on a roll, and the fans can feel the excitement building.
But if they’re going to make a serious playoff push, they might need one more piece to complete the puzzle—an impact EDGE defender to lock down the defense.To get there, Detroit might have to part with a few players who, while talented, could serve the team better as trade assets.
From promising rookies to seasoned vets, here are five Lions who could find themselves packing their bags before the deadline. Let’s dive in!
5. Craig Reynolds, Running Back
Craig Reynolds has filled the role of the Lions’ third running back, but he’s had limited action this season. Across Detroit’s six games, he has logged just six carries for 21 yards—a steep drop from last year when he played all 17 games, recording 179 rushing yards and a touchdown. With rookie Sione Vaki joining the active roster, Reynolds’ role might further diminish.
Reynolds could draw interest as a backup option from teams needing a reliable depth piece at running back. Lions GM Brad Holmes would likely consider a trade if offered a late-round draft pick, which could help the Lions add long-term value while freeing up roster space for younger players.
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4. Allen Robinson, Wide Receiver
Veteran receiver Allen Robinson joined the Lions this past offseason, but his time in Detroit has been quiet. He signed up for the active roster on September 26, and he’s played in only two games and received just one target. With Jameson Williams suspended, Robinson could see a bigger role over the next two weeks, but if he doesn’t make a significant impact, he may be on his way out.
Robinson’s one-year contract makes him a low-risk rental for teams looking for an experienced receiver to add depth or handle specific matchups. If the Lions don’t give him an expanded role soon, a trade might be in the cards, especially if Detroit sees a chance to improve another area of their roster.
3. Isaiah Williams, Wide Receiver
Rookie wideout Isaiah Williams impressed coaches during training camp and preseason, but he’s yet to make his regular-season debut. His path to the field recently opened up with Jameson Williams’ suspension, and while the Lions aren’t looking to trade the young receiver, he could be a valuable trade asset for a team seeking receiver depth.
Rumors suggest the Lions are eyeing Rams star receiver Cooper Kupp as a potential trade target, with Isaiah Williams likely included in the trade package. While it’s more probable he stays in Detroit, his name could come up in negotiations if the Lions are serious about adding an elite receiver before the deadline.
Also Read: Did Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff Make NFL History With A Perfect Game In Win Over Seattle Seahawks?
2. Josh Paschal, EDGE
Josh Paschal has been a mixed bag for the Lions. Drafted in the second round in 2022, the Kentucky product was initially seen as a future cornerstone for Detroit’s defense. However, since joining the team, Paschal has struggled to produce consistently, recording just four sacks and nine QB hits. Although he ranks second among Lions EDGE rushers with nine total pressures in 2024, Paschal hasn’t delivered the impact Detroit expected.
While Detroit isn’t actively shopping Paschal, they might include him in a trade package for a standout EDGE player like Maxx Crosby or Za’Darius Smith. The Lions’ front office seems to recognize that Paschal may not have the tools to develop into the high-impact defender they initially envisioned, making him a possible piece to trade for a playoff-ready upgrade.
1. James Houston, EDGE
James Houston turned heads during his rookie season in 2022, racking up eight sacks over a short seven-game span. But since then, Houston has struggled to recapture that magic. In 2023, he played in only five games without recording a sack, and so far in 2024, he’s logged just a single QB hit. Houston’s trade value has dipped due to his lack of recent production, but at only 25, he could still draw interest from teams looking for an EDGE rusher with potential.
The Lions might not hesitate to move Houston if it helps them secure a high-impact EDGE to complement Aidan Hutchinson. Houston could be a valuable addition for a team willing to take a chance on his rookie-year spark, especially if he’s part of a package deal to bring in a top-tier defender.
