Tag Archives: seventh-rounder

Lions Blockbuster Trade Pitch Nets Detroit 2 Star Edge Rushers

The Detroit Lions are emerging as one of the most likely teams to pursue a pass rusher ahead of the NFL trade deadline. There’s even reason to believe they may explore adding not just one, but potentially a couple of edge rushers to bolster their defensive front.

On Thursday, October 16, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell authored a series of proposed trades that “make sense,” with two involving the Lions making significant moves for pass rushers.

### Lions Target Trey Hendrickson in Big Trade Proposal

The first proposal would have the Lions send a second-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for defensive end Trey Hendrickson, along with a fourth-round selection. Barnwell described this as the team’s “all-in move.”

Barnwell explained, “The Lions have one superstar up front in Aidan Hutchinson, but they’ve never really landed that second one. Furthermore, the Lions are dealing with a secondary that’s already battered by injuries. Free agent addition D.J. Reed (hamstring) is on injured reserve, while Terrion Arnold narrowly avoided a multi-month shoulder injury.”

He added, “One way to help that secondary is to have a more efficient pass rush, especially without needing to blitz.”

### Lions Could Also Pursue Jaelan Phillips for Added Pass Rush

Barnwell’s next proposal involved the Lions sending a fourth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and a seventh-round pick.

He argued, “I’m saying the Lions should go all-in. This team experienced what it was like to lose Hutchinson and virtually every one of its other ambulatory pass rushers last season. Its secondary is battling injuries. No team has ever made it into January and complained that it had too many pass rushers.”

Phillips, however, comes with a history of serious injuries, including an ACL and Achilles tendon tear. But when healthy, he has shown to be an above-average edge rusher.

Barnwell highlighted Phillips’ strong performance metrics: “His 14.5% pressure rate and 6.8% quick pressure rate, both per Next Gen Stats, are well above league average for edge rushers with 100 or more snaps this season. Phillips’ average pressure comes after just 2.6 seconds, the seventh-fastest rate among that cohort.”

### Contract Considerations and Roster Impact

The Lions currently have over $25 million in salary cap space, allowing them flexibility to make a big move or two.

Barnwell pointed out that Detroit may not need to commit to both Hendrickson and Phillips beyond this season. He suggests Hendrickson makes more sense as a long-term investment, given the second-round pick the team would have to sacrifice to acquire him.

According to Spotrac, Hendrickson’s market value is estimated at just under $35 million annually over a potential four-year contract. If signed, Hendrickson and Hutchinson could form a dominant defensive front in Detroit for years to come. Hutchinson is currently extension-eligible and expected to command a monster contract himself.

On the other hand, Phillips might come cheaper on a new deal. Considering his injury history and current production levels, the Lions could negotiate a shorter contract with a more moderate salary. Alternatively, Detroit could view Phillips as a one-year rental, adding depth on a roster that is poised to contend for a Super Bowl for the third consecutive postseason.

### Conclusion

With the pass rush a clear area of need and significant injury issues in the secondary, the Detroit Lions appear ready to make aggressive moves at the trade deadline. Acquiring Hendrickson and/or Phillips could provide the edge pressure necessary to elevate the defense and push the team deeper into playoff contention this season.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/detroit-lions/trey-hendrickson-bengals-jaelan-phillips-dolphins-trades/