When it comes to which edge rusher the Detroit Lions might trade for before the trade deadline (assuming they do), the list is long and ranges from impossible pipe dreams to very plausible possibilities.
Head coach Dan Campbell intimated this week that the search for an edge rusher will take a new turn after general manager Brad Holmes asked him to look into “a couple things.”
Until something is done or 4 p.m. ET on November 5 (trade deadline day), there will be much conjecture about who the Lions might sign to replace Aidan Hutchinson. When previously unmentioned names appear, it is worth noting.
Grade the trade proposal: Lions add big-name edge rushers.
Chris Licata of Athlon Sports included this suggestion involving the Lions on his list of “10 NFL Trades That Need To Happen Before The Deadline”.
Lions get Khalil Mack.
Chargers receive: 2025 fourth-round pick and 2025 seventh-round pick.
Mack, 33, is unquestionably older than would be desirable. But he is Pro Football Focus’ third-best graded edge defender this season (as of Week 8), with the second-best run defence grade at the position (92.1). He hasn’t had a sack since Week 3 (2.5 this season), but he leads the Chargers in pressures (22, 10 in the last two games).
As Licata recognized, trading Mack would necessitate the 3-3 Chargers going into sell mode. However, when the contract was adjusted in March, the eight-time Pro Bowler’s base salary was reduced to $1.255 million for this year, the final year of his contract. An acquiring team would take on the prorated portion of that for the remainder of the season.
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Mack was mentioned as a potential trade target for the Lions as the 2024 offseason began. It didn’t make financial sense at the time, regardless of his age or future production. It makes a lot more sense financially today, and two Day 3 draft picks is a decent price to pay for renting an edge rusher with plenty left in the tank.
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