The Detroit Lions need some help after Week 9. Sitting at 5-3 in any other season wouldn't be a call to arms, but reinforcements are needed now, more than ever, in the super competitive NFC. The offense is too inconsistent to rely on them to take over a game, while the defense is riddled with injuries across the board, but mostly in the secondary. The Lions can't survive, let alone thrive, with the current state of this team.
The NFL trade deadline is on Tuesday, and general manager Brad Holmes needs to do something. The Lions shouldn't mortgage their long-term future, but they have to make a move or two to help them get past the tougher half of the schedule.
So, which of the Lions' positions need the most help? Here's a look at them:
1. Wide Receiver
The Detroit Lions are struggling to open up the passing game. If it wasn't for Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta, the Lions wouldn't have much of a passing game to speak of. Jameson Williams will be worked into the offense more, but they still need help outside of Williams. A third receiver will allow some pressure to be taken off of St. Brown, and will also cover up Williams, should he remain an inconsistent producer for the team.
The last thing the Lions need is for Williams to disappear in the playoffs, or for rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa to continue failing to live up to expectations when it matters the most. Someone like the Las Vegas Raiders' Jakobi Meyers or New Orleans Saints' Rashid Shaheed could be the perfect solution to this issue.
2. Defensive Tackle
The defensive line of the Detroit Lions has its fair share of issues. Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad are a great tandem, but the depth behind them isn't great. Moreover, the defensive tackles need as much help as they can get. D.J. Reader is having a solid season, but it's been a revolving door next to him on the line.
The Lions would be wise to go and get a defensive tackle (or two) come the deadline. If they don't, it won't matter how many sacks a guy like Hutchinson has. Especially when the Lions are getting gutted for big plans down the middle of the line.
Arizona Cardinals DT Calais Campbell and Sebastian Joseph-Day of the Tennessee Titans are names reportedly up for grabs, per ESPN, but the Lions could also settle for a smaller name. Either way, help is needed.
3. Cornerback
Easily, the position of the biggest need is cornerback. Between some poor performances and injuries riddling the position, the Lions can't continue to limp their way through games, hoping their pass-rush will keep their defense in games. If the loss to the Minnesota Vikings proved anything, it's that a mediocre quarterback can throw for some scores on this defense.
The Lions could try to acquire CB Tariq Woolen from the Seattle Seahawks or even Marshon Lattimore from the Washington Commanders. There are solutions to Detroit's CB woes out there, and Holmes must work the phones to find them.