The offseason phase is almost over, with training camp just under a month away. Detroit Lions fans are eager to see Jared Goff and Aidan Hutchinson retake the field, hoping this upcoming season has a better ending than last year's.
It’ll be tough to repeat the regular season success of last year due to the numerous departures from the coaching staff, but with their talented core remaining and Dan Campbell still at the helm, the Lions should be in good shape.
Even though the roster is set heading into training camp, there is still one move that the Lions must make, and Lions fans won’t be sad to see them part ways with this underperformer.
Lions Should Trade Josh Paschall Immediately
Josh Paschall was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 2022 draft. Through three seasons, Paschall hasn’t lived up to the expectations of a second-round pick, posting five sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits.
This past season, Paschall hit a career-high in games started (10) and snaps played (548), yet only posted 2 sacks, five tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits. PFF gave Paschall a 54.5 overall grade, which ranks him 154th out of 211 eligible edge rushers, and gave him a 48 pass rush grade.
Even with Detroit’s defense having numerous injuries, Paschall wasn’t able to make an impact. Although Paschall has been solid in the run game, receiving a 62.5 run defense grade, he hasn’t evolved into a quality starting edge player that the Lions hoped he’d be.
With Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport returning from injury, and Za’Darius Smith rumored to potentially be coming back, the Lions should part ways with Paschall before training camp. Paschall’s tenure has run its course, as he hasn’t showcased his ability to be more than a rotational player.
Both parties could benefit from a trade as the Lions need to bolster their secondary, which ranked 30th in passing yards per game (244), while Paschall could become a better player in a different system that offers him more playing time. Unfortunately, it’s come to this point, but the Lions need to capitalize on Paschall before he walks, and they get nothing in return.