The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 season with questions about their defense, most notably their pass rush rotation. Despite constant calls from the fanbase about the need to upgrade the pass rush rotation, the Lions entered the season without making any significant additions at the EDGE position. Instead, they banked on Aidan Hutchinson's return, and their ability to develop players internally. This didn't change even when Marcus Davenport landed on the injured reserve list.
Through the first six weeks of the season, this has paid dividends. The Lions have a very good pass rush group with Al-Quadin Muhammad looking like an absolute game-wrecker opposite Hutchinson. They already have 19 sacks on the season, the fourth-highest mark in the NFL and grade as the second-best pass rushing unit per Pro Football Focus.
In the modern NFL, however, you can never have too many pass rushers. The Lions have learned that the hard way as they have been decimated by injuries over the last two years. How sustainable the performance of Muhammad, Trevor Nowaske, and Tyler Lacy can be long-term is another question. Therefore, the Lions would be wise to at least consider an intriguing trade opportunity that may have just emerged.
Perfect Trade Opportunity May Have Emerged for Lions Ahead of Deadline
The Tennessee Titans just fired head coach Brian Callahan after a 1-5 start. This could signal a fire sale at the trade deadline to fully commit to the rebuild. This means that any veteran with a semblance of trade value should be available before November 4. This includes talented pass rusher Dre'Mont Jones.
Jones signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Titans in the 2025 offseason, and has been a solid contributor for them all season. The 28-year-old pass rusher has been healthy, durable, and consistent, playing over 68% of the team's defensive snaps, his highest mark in the last three years.
He has made the most of this increased opportunity, registering a sack, two tackles for loss, and two QB hits. He has received a 67.3 pass rush grade on Pro Football Focus, which would place him above any defensive lineman not named Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad on the Lions.
Since Jones hasn't been with the Titans for very long and he is only on an expiring contract, the Titans should be willing to listen to trade offers instead of letting him walk in free agency. This could lower the asking price for Jones before the trade deadline. Perhaps he won't take a large role to begin with the Lions, but having a competent veteran with a ton of experience behind Hutchinson, Muhammad, Davenport would help the Lions feel even better with their pass rush depth.