The Detroit Lions have been searching for over two seasons for a pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson, and one analyst believes the solution might lie in a player drafted just before Hutchinson.
ESPN’s Ben Solak suggested that the Lions could capitalize on the uncertain situation in Jacksonville by trading for Jaguars edge rusher Travon Walker.
Despite the Jaguars securing their first win of the season on Sunday, Solak hinted they might still be sellers at the approaching NFL trade deadline, potentially making the Lions an interested trade partner.
Walker, who was the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has underperformed compared to his draft expectations, amassing 18.5 total sacks across 37 career games. Solak noted that a move to Detroit could offer Walker a fresh start, provided Jacksonville is willing to move on from him.
Lions Could Acquire Walker for a ‘Solid’ Pick or Two
Solak identified Walker as an intriguing trade candidate, pointing out that while he has delivered two strong performances this season, he’s had “three complete blanks” as well.
“He still hasn’t quite found his footing with the Jaguars, but his production this season (five sacks) should warrant a solid return,” Solak wrote.
He suggested that the Lions could acquire Walker for a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick, a reasonable cost for a team Solak described as “worryingly thin at defensive end” following a series of significant injuries.
“I can see how the Lions would utilize him: a big base end defending the run and pressuring the pocket opposite Aidan Hutchinson (who, incidentally, was picked right after Walker in the ’22 draft),” Solak wrote. “That role was intended for Marcus Davenport, who is now out for the season with a torn triceps suffered in Week 4. Additionally, John Cominsky, expected to be a key rotational player, is out for the year due to a knee injury.”
Lions Could Explore Other Solutions
It remains uncertain whether Walker will become available before the trade deadline, but other analysts have proposed different avenues for the Lions to address their edge rusher depth.
Christian Booher of SI.com suggested that the Lions could sign a veteran free agent to replace some of Davenport’s production.
“The pool of free agent defensive ends includes several seasoned players with injury concerns,” Booher wrote. “Shaq Lawson, 30, and former Lion Austin Bryant are two of the more established options still available.”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell also hinted that the team might opt to rely on its internal depth, giving third-year edge rusher Josh Paschal a larger role.
“Yeah, look, this is why we build depth,” Campbell said. “The chances of playing with your entire first unit for the entire season are slim. You need to have depth.”
