The Detroit Lions' main focus throughout the first two weeks of free agency has been to add depth on defense. This is a sensible move, given that over ten defenders were placed on injured reserve at some point in 2024. Currently, five of the Lions' seven additions have been on defense.
The team's main focus has been adding to the cornerback room after losing Carlton Davis, signing three cornerbacks. That said, they need to shift focus to the defensive line. After losing Aidan Hutchinson last season, the front seven had a tough time affecting the quarterback.
Although Hutchinson will be back to start 2025, Detroit cut veteran Za'Darius Smith, yet again leaving the spot opposite the 24-year-old star open. With that in mind, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently suggested that the Lions should trade for Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Bryce Huff.
Is a Trade for Bryce Huff Smart for the Lions?
Huff entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and was signed by the New York Jets. The former University of Memphis pass rusher earned his way onto the Jets initial 53-man roster in 2020. As a rookie, Huff recorded 16 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks in 14 games.
In the next two seasons, Huff's production was similar to his rookie year. Then, in 2023, he had a breakout season, recording 29 tackles, 10 TFLs and 10 sacks. Moreover, Huff logged 67 QB pressures, 12 QB hits and 45 QB hurries, according to PFF.
As a result of his monstrous 2023 season, the 26-year-old was signed to a three-year $51 million deal with the Eagles last offseason. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, Huff didn't live up to expectations last season. In 2024, he recorded 13 tackles, 20 QB pressures, 17 QB hurries, three TFLs, 2.5 sacks and one QB hit.
While Philadelphia had other pass rushers that exceeded expectations in 2024, having a player you gave a big contract to struggle with isn't great. Even so, it's hard to see the Eagles trading Huff for a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick, which is what Moton proposes, after they lost three starters on the defensive line.
Nevertheless, if Detroit could pull this trade off it has the potential to massively help Hutchinson and the defensive line.