The Detroit Lions are looking for pass-rushing aid after Aidan Hutchinson suffered what appears to be a season-ending injury, and one recent report suggests they may find it in the shape of a former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Lions could be a top candidate for New Orleans Saints pass rusher Chase Young, who may be available for trade as his club falls in the NFC South standings. Knox stated that New Orleans “isn’t equipped to compete” this season and may be willing to sell assets at the next NFL trade deadline, which might benefit the injury-plagued Lions.
Saints Could Jump Into Rebuild
Knox suggested that the timing may be right for the Saints to begin shedding assets in preparation for a rebuild, noting that the club appeared flat in a 33-10 loss to the Denver Broncos and has now lost five straight games after opening the season 2-0.
Young might be a valuable trade component, Knox suggested, even if he does not provide any immediate cap benefits.
“Trading pass-rusher Chase Young, who is on a one-year, $13 million deal, would provide no 2025 cap relief,” Knox pointed out. “However, the Saints would gain crucial draft capital. Young has 1.5 sacks and 13 quarterback pressures in seven games this season.
The Lions, said Knox, “are a logical landing spot for any available edge-rushers, and they should be interested if Young is available.” The team must replace Hutchinson’s production after he injured his leg in a win over the Dallas Cowboys.
More Options for Detroit.
While some analysts believe the Lions will add some edge-rushing aid at the trade deadline to compensate for Hutchinson’s team-leading 7.5 sacks, there are various views on who the team should target.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions are considering trading for defensive end Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. The Browns have already dealt receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills and lost quarterback Deshaun Watson for the season, so it is more likely that they will continue to move assets as the deadline approaches.
Smith spoke up on the trade rumours, stating he would be fascinated by the prospect of moving to Detroit.
“I hate that [Hutchinson] was on his way to perhaps winning Defensive Player of the Year when he got injured. “That’s a significant loss for them,” he explained. “But if I had to go to Detroit, I would like it because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year.” So, yeah, that will be huge.”
The Lions may still be able to re-sign Hutchinson, but only if they make a historic postseason run. Schefter stated that he may be allowed to return to the Super Bowl if the Lions reach the game for the first time in franchise history.
“One source went so far as to tell ESPN that, knowing Hutchinson and his injury, it would be more surprising if he did not make it back for a potential Super Bowl appearance than if he did,” according to Schefter.
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