The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. ET, meaning trade talks between teams are starting to heat up. The Detroit Lions are widely regarded as a buyer given their NFC-best 6-1 record.
While there has been rampant speculation that Detroit could make a move, Lions head coach Dan Campbell added fuel to the fire during his press conference on Monday.
Dan Campbell Hints a Trade Could Be Coming
While meeting with reporters on Monday afternoon, Campbell was asked if a trade could be coming.
“Yeah, could be!” Campbell said with a smile.
The reporter followed up by asking if general manager Brad Holmes came to him with a potential trade, and Campbell looked excited as he responded.
“Yeah! Could be!” Campbell said while hopping up and down.
#Lions HC Dan Campbell on whether a trade could happen soon:
Campbell smiles: "Yeah. Could be."
Reporter: "Seriously? Has he (GM Brad Holmes) come to you with something?"
Campbell jumps up and down: "Yeah! Could be!"
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 28, 2024
It remains to be seen whether a trade is imminent or if the Lions are just weighing a potential move.
Still, Campbell’s reaction is noteworthy, as he seemed giddy about the possible transaction.
It certainly seems like the Lions are engaged in trade talks, as Campbell seemingly confirmed that Holmes is working the phones, which lines up with what has been reported in recent weeks.
Who Are the Lions Targeting Prior to the Trade Deadline?
Ever since star EDGE Aidan Hutchinson suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, there has been a lot of speculation that the Lions could try to add a pass rusher to help replace some of his production.
Hutchinson isn’t the only Lions EDGE who suffered a significant injury this season. Marcus Davenport, whom the Lions signed to a one-year deal worth $6.5 million in March, went down with a season-ending triceps injury in Week 3.
This is clearly a position of need for the Lions. Even before Hutchinson’s injury, it was clear that they needed to add a pass rusher, as Hutchinson was often a one-man wrecking crew.
Earlier this month, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Detroit “checked in” on New York Jets EDGE Haason Reddick. While Reddick is no longer an option for Detroit since he ended his holdout, this confirms that the Lions have been making calls about EDGE rushers.
The Lions have also reportedly been in contact with the Cleveland Browns about Za’Darius Smith. Interestingly, Smith was asked about this rumor, and he seemed interested in a change of scenery to Detroit.
“I’m staying positive, but now that you say that, it might be a good look, a good feel for me,” Smith said.
During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said he expects Smith to be traded prior to the deadline.
"In my mind Diontae Johnson and Za'Darius Smith are gonna be traded before the deadline..
The Rams are only a game out in the NFC West and I don't expect them to move Cooper Kupp"@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/PhIPBmYAu2
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 28, 2024
While Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby or Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett are obviously the dream targets for Detroit, multiple reporters have indicated that neither will be traded prior to the deadline.
Would the Carolina Panthers be open to moving Jadeveon Clowney after their 1-7 start? The Denver Broncos have a pair of pending free agent EDGEs — Baron Browning and Jonathon Cooper — who might make sense for Detroit.
The New Orleans Saints have lost six straight games, so would they be open to moving Chase Young? He is currently on a one-year deal, so if the Saints are looking ahead to the future or don’t have plans to re-sign him, perhaps trading him is on the table.
Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari and Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo have also been mentioned as potential targets.
If the Lions make a trade, it seems like it would be for a pass rusher, but is it possible they could be looking to acquire a wide receiver, defensive tackle, or cornerback instead?
Given Campbell’s comments, all eyes will be on the Lions over the next week and a half to see if they make a splashy move.