The Detroit Lions have flirted with making another addition at EDGE for months now. Despite not making that acquisition just yet, the Lions have still found ways to generate consistent pressure, entering Week 7 tied for fourth in the NFL in team sacks (19).
Aidan Hutchinson is leading the way with six games right now, but adding another pass rusher would only make this a better unit befoe the trade deadline is on Nov. 4. With that in mind, the Lions should call the New Orleans Saints and see who can be moved, as the Saints are 1-5 on the season and have a certain pass rusher who Detroit general manager Brad Holmes should think about adding.
Projected Lions Trade Sends Saints DE Carl Granderson to Detroit
Veteran defensive end Carl Granderson is one player Detroit should target in the coming weeks, and the following trade proposal can help bring him to the Motor City.
Finding a way for the Lions to get Granderson over to Detroit would be a fantastic trade deadline decision for head coach Dan Campbell's squad. The 28-year-old disruptor has spent his entire NFL career with the Saints and has developed into a quality presence on the edge. Giving up 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks is more than a fair price for what he brings to the table.
This season, Granderson has 27 total tackles, six quarterback hits, 10 total pressures, and 4.5 sacks. He has been able to get after the quarterback this season and would be a player who bolsters the defensive line. He also has two years left on his current deal, but there's an out following the 2026 season.
The Lions have one of the best offenses in the league and are able to put up points against anyone. No matter what, though, having someone on your team who can get after the quarterback is a big key to having success later on in the season.
That's not to mention how banged up their secondary has been. The Lions have had D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Avonte Maddox, Khalil Dorsey, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. all miss time for this defense. That has forced the Lions to quickly rely on their depth, which also makes the job of the defensive line a bit harder since the coverage on the backend might not hold up as long.
The Lions should check in on the trade market and see what pass rushers they can acquire, and Granderson should be near the top of the list. With how quickly the Saints are heading in the wrong direction, GM Holmes can't afford to waste a second longer.