The Detroit Lions are looking for a solid edge rusher to fill in for the injured Aidan Hutchinson, but finding one won’t be easy. While some fans hope for a big trade to land a star, a more practical approach might involve a smaller deal that still brings a quality edge rusher to Detroit.
NFL analyst Mike Payton from A to Z Sports suggests a bold trade that could bring two defensive players to the Lions without straining their finances, although it would mean losing a quarterback and more. Given Hutchinson’s talent, it may take two players to adequately replace him until he returns.
Payton highlights the Tennessee Titans as a potential trade partner. With the Titans struggling and possibly entering a rebuild, they have several players available, including those familiar with Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams.
He proposes the Lions acquire defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and linebacker Harold Landry in exchange for backup quarterback Hendon Hooker, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, a second-round pick in 2025, and a fourth-round pick in 2026. Payton notes that while Simmons is typically a defensive tackle, he has experience playing on the edge, making him versatile in Detroit.
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Landry is viewed as a bargain, with a contract allowing the Lions to pay him around $1 million per game, with no salary cap loss if they decide to part ways after one season.
Regarding Hooker, Payton believes he would be a good fit for the Titans, who are in need of a mobile quarterback. He argues that Hooker’s local success would resonate with Titans fans.
While Payton thinks the Lions would approve this trade, Mike Moraitis from Sporting News suggests that the Titans might seek better picks and a different player than Rakestraw.