Lions Blockbuster Trade Pitch Nets Detroit 2 Star Edge Rushers
The Detroit Lions profile as among the most likely teams to pursue a pass rusher ahead of the NFL trade deadline, and there’s reason to think they may even take a look at adding a couple of them.
Bill Barnwell of ESPN authored a handful of trades that “make sense” on Thursday, October 16. Two of those deals involved Detroit and a big move for a big presence off the edge.
The first proposal would see the Lions send the Cincinnati Bengals a second-round pick in return for defensive end Trey Hendrickson and a fourth-round selection in what Barnwell referred to as the team’s “all-in move.”
“The Lions have one superstar up front in Aidan Hutchinson, but they’ve never really landed that second one,” Barnwell wrote. “Furthermore, the Lions are dealing with a secondary that’s already battered by injuries. Free agent addition D.J. Reed (hamstring) is on injured reserve, while Terrion Arnold narrowly avoided a multi-month shoulder injury.”
“One way to help that secondary is to have a more efficient pass rush, especially without needing to blitz.”
Lions Could Find Solid Value in Trade for Jaelan Phillips
GettyMiami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
Barnwell then immediately jumped into his next proposal, which would see the Lions send the Miami Dolphins a fourth-round pick in return for pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and a seventh-rounder.
“I’m arguing that the Lions should go all-in. This team experienced what it was like to lose Hutchinson and virtually every one of its other ambulatory pass rushers last season,” Barnwell continued. “Its secondary is battling injuries. No team has ever made it into January and complained that it had too many pass rushers.”
Phillips’ biggest issue is his history of serious injuries, including an ACL and an Achilles tendon. However, when healthy, he has generally been an above-average performer off the edge.
“His 14.5% pressure rate and 6.8% quick pressure rate, both per Next Gen Stats, are well above league average for edge rushers with 100 or more snaps this season,” Barnwell noted. “Phillips’ average pressure comes after just 2.6 seconds, the seventh-fastest rate among that cohort.”
Lions Could Keep Trey Hendrickson Longterm, Jaelan Phillips Through Playoff Run
GettyDetroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
The Lions have a little over $25 million in salary cap space, so they can afford to take a big swing or two. And Detroit doesn’t necessarily need to commit to both players beyond this season.
Hendrickson would make more sense as the guy to try and lock up longterm, at least in Barnwell’s scenario because the Lions would be sacrificing a second-round pick to acquire him. That won’t be cheap, as Spotrac projects Hendrickson’s market value at just under
That said, Hutchinson and Hendrickson could anchor a dominant defensive front in Detroit for years if they become teammates, as Hutchinson is currently extension-eligible and likely to earn a monster contract of his own.
Phillips would come cheaper on a new contract, and given his injury history and lack of traditional statistical production so far this year, the Lions could potentially negotiate a deal comprised of fewer years and a more moderate salary.
Otherwise, Detroit could look at Phillips as a one-year rental play on a roster that is poised to contend for a Super Bowl for the third postseason in a row.
Broncos Adding Game-Changing Veteran Playmaker Before Facing Giants
The Denver Broncos are getting a boost for their Week 7 game against the New York Giants, with veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw
The news comes after a series of encouraging signs, providing much-needed confirmation.
Greenlaw should help bolster one of the few consistent weaknesses on the Broncos’ No. 2-ranked scoring and overall defense: coverage.
Broncos Activating Dre Greenlaw From IR
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported on X on October 18 that “the #Broncos are expected to activate standout LB Dre Greenlaw from IR, where he’s been since Week 3 because of a quad injury, sources say.
“A lift for the Denver defense.”
DNVR Sports’ Zac Stevens confirmed on X that “Greenlaw is officially being activated to the Broncos’ 53-man roster and OFF IR, per sources.
“Huge for Dre and the Broncos’ defense.”
The Broncos signed Greenlaw to a three-year, $31.5 million contract in free agency, and they held off on placing him on IR before setbacks forced their hand.
Broncos Coaches Get Real About Dre Greenlaw
GettyFormer San Francisco 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw #57 looks on against the Los Angeles Rams.
Even with Greenlaw set to return, the Broncos are being realistic in their expectations for him after such a long layoff. Broncos head coach
Greenlaw practiced in full
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Greenlaw will most likely play a reserve role, but noted that “we’ll feel him. Everybody will” when the veteran is on the field.
“Obviously, when you have a good player, it helps you become a better defense. So, schematically, a lot of things don’t change. He’s been a great player for a long time, and that won’t change. So, I’m just looking forward to getting back on the field, helping us win,”
“I think if he returns this week, it’s got to be in a part-time role, maybe. We’ll see, and we’re not sure that’s going to happen this weekend or next. But he’s in good spirits. He’s worked hard, he’s in the right mindset. So, we’ll see how Sunday plays out.”
Even if Greenlaw is limited, his teammates are well aware of the impact he can have on a game.
Dre Greenlaw Changes ‘Vibe’ on Defense
GettyDre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a stop against the
Fellow Broncos LB Levelle Bailey noted Greenlaw was “flying around” and “looked good” in practice this week. His return also provided an emotional boost.
“He brought the energy back in the room,” Bailey said, per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson on October 18. “You can just tell the vibe is just different on the defense when he’s out flying around & the..leadership he brings to the table”
Greenlaw has been a mentor for Bailey, an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Bailey has one appearance in 2025. Justin Strnad has joined Alex Singleton in the starting lineup in Greenlaw’s absence, with rookie UDAF
“He always talks to me about getting my pad level down..and things like that,” Bailey said, per Tomasson. “In the meeting room, he pulls me aside. We usually watch extra film after meetings and he shows me little pointers.”
Sunday is Greenlaw’s first opportunity to back up the hype around his joining the Broncos.
