Few people can argue that Aidan Hutchinson is one of the premier headhunters in the National Football League. The Michigan product is the heart and soul of the Detroit Lions' defense, though he doesn't always get the credit he deserves.
That's mostly on the team. Their reluctance -- or inability -- to find him a suitable partner in crime has often had him dealing with double-teams and chip blocks, and while that's just life as an elite defensive end, he just doesn't get any help.
With the rest of the league making big moves to address that issue, the Lions can't afford to fall behind. And with multiple star pass rushers potentially available for trade, it's time general manager Brad Holmes finally goes all-in.
Lions must make a big splash and trade for a pass rusher
The Pittsburgh Steelers' financial situation will most likely force them to part ways with Alex Highsmith. He's perhaps the most overlooked and underrated pass rusher in the game, and he can be the Robin to Hutchinson's Batman in Detroit, just like he's been for T.J. Watt for so long.
The Arizona Cardinals are projected to have one of the worst records in the league next season. As such, they may not have much use for veterans like Josh Sweat, who had a strong season in the desert in 2025 despite his team's defensive woes. He might not be tough to get at the trade deadline.
Then, there's Kayvon Thibodeaux. The New York Giants are committed to Brian Burns and Abdul Carter -- and rightfully so -- since Thibodeaux hasn't lived up to the hype and his Oregon tape. That said, he's just 25 years old, and he had 11.5 sacks in his second year in the league, so he's certainly worth rolling the dice on.
Last but not least, the Las Vegas Raiders already traded Maxx Crosby once, so who's to say they won't reconsider their stance on him if (when) they struggle this season? He's one of the few pass rushers most teams would choose over Hutchinson, and the thought of having the two roaming free and going after the quarterback is just mouth-watering for Kelvin Sheppard.
Whatever the case, the fact of the matter is that the Lions will have options. They can't keep resting on their laurels while the Myles Garretts of the world keep getting traded, and it's time they dip their toes in the star-hunting scene for a change.
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