The Detroit Lions may not be actively pursuing high-end pass rushers due to the need to pay young, productive players already on their roster.
Although many are advocating for general manager Brad Holmes to trade for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, a more affordable and realistic alternative could catch Detroit’s attention.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport recently examined several potential NFL trade scenarios for defensive players.
For the Lions, Holmes could offer a 2025 fourth-round draft pick in exchange for Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa.
As Davenport noted, “The Detroit Lions have been linked to various edge-rushers, including stars like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett. Bosa would be much more affordable than those names. Playing for what could be the NFC’s most talented team should be appealing to him.”
At the NFL combine, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz shared his hope that Bosa will finish his career in Los Angeles.
“I know he wants to retire a Charger,” Hortiz said. “I’d love for him to retire a Charger. I love Joey, the teammate, the competitor.”
However, Bosa’s cap number could make it challenging for the Chargers to keep him. Parting ways with a player carrying a cap hit of over $36 million isn’t ideal, but it might be necessary for a team looking to improve its roster.
A potential concern for the Lions is Bosa’s recent injury history. He hasn’t started more than 10 games in a season over the last three years, and his performance hasn’t been outstanding. In 2024, he started nine games, five in 2023, and four in 2022.
Though a fresh start with a new defensive line coach could help unlock more of Bosa’s potential, the 2016 No. 3 overall pick would need to stay healthy and deliver in crucial situations.
The Lions were hoping for a strong contribution from Marcus Davenport, another player with an injury history, in 2024, but the veteran was lost for the season after a triceps tear in Week 3.
While Bosa is an intriguing option, it might not be enough to help the Lions achieve their goal of boosting sacks and pressures in 2025.
Grade: C+
Leave a Reply