Lions Urged to porch a Former No. 1 Overall Pick to Boost Defense

The Detroit Lions were dealt a major setback when Aidan Hutchinson sustained a fractured leg, significantly impacting their defensive line. However, new reports suggest the Lions might be able to secure reinforcements before the trade deadline.

Jared Ramsey of the Detroit Free Press identified potential targets for the Lions, pointing to former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney as a top candidate. With the Carolina Panthers struggling at 2-7, Ramsey noted they might consider trading assets like Clowney.

If the Panthers are open to dealing Clowney, Detroit could be a potential destination, according to Ramsey.

Lions Look to Bolster Pass Rush

With Hutchinson’s injury, the Lions lost their most reliable pass rusher against the Dallas Cowboys, creating a significant gap in their defensive front. Ramsey argued that Clowney could be a sensible choice for a Lions team aiming to strengthen its pass rush with a veteran presence.

“Like the Titans, the Panthers narrowly won on Sunday but remain tied for the first overall pick in the 2025 draft with several teams at 2-7,” Ramsey wrote. “Carolina could be willing to part with defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who signed a two-year, $20 million contract after recording 9½ sacks for the Ravens in 2023. Clowney, now 31, has missed two games this season due to a shoulder injury and has one sack and three tackles for loss across seven games.”

Others have speculated about Clowney’s trade prospects as well. In October, SI.com’s Albert Breer noted that the Panthers were likely to “field calls on everyone,” with Clowney among the top names potentially on the move.

“With a number of teams in need of pass-rushing help and if his health improves over the next week, Clowney would be in the mix alongside players like the Cleveland Browns’ Za’Darius Smith and the Green Bay Packers’ Preston Smith who may also be available,” Breer noted.

Ramsey highlighted other possible targets for Detroit, such as Cleveland’s Za’Darius Smith and New Orleans’ Chase Young, both rumored to be on the trade block as Tuesday’s deadline approached.

Lions Ready to Make a Move

As Ramsey pointed out, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has expressed interest in making a trade to strengthen the roster but emphasized that the decision was not entirely within their control.

“It’s not entirely up to us,” Campbell said to the Detroit Free Press. “I can say we’re trying, Brad (Holmes is) trying, and we’ve explored all options. We’ve made a lot of calls, and he’s been working hard at it, so we’ll see. We’ve still got a bit of time until tomorrow evening, so we’ll see what happens.”

Campbell also voiced confidence in the team’s current defensive lineup, adding that they could pull players from practice squads if no trades materialize before the deadline.

With their current position in the NFC, the Lions might feel an added incentive to fill any roster gaps. Sunday’s victory over the Green Bay Packers brought the Lions to 7-1, placing them at the top of the conference.