We're rapidly approaching the start of the 2025 NFL season and the Detroit Lions have a clear objective: make the Super Bowl. After falling short in the DIvisional Round against the Washington Commanders and losing two of the organization's most important coaches (Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson), there is an obvious goal that must be reached.
Head coach Dan Campbell has built an exceptional culture and has a roster that can compete with any in the NFC. That's what makes every decision that general manger Brad Holmes makes all the more important.
One new projected trade sees Detroit searching for a diamond in the rough after a previous coaching staff left him high and dry.
New (free) column: 10 would-be trades that (might?) make sense for both teams in advance of teams cutting down to 53 and the start of the regular season https://t.co/Uz6B6TkNAi
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) August 25, 2025
Projected Trade Sees Lions Trade for Exciting Defender
In a new predicted trade proposed by Bill Barnwell of ESPN, the Lions would acquire New England Patriots edge rusher Anfernee Jennings and a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round selection.
It'd represent an admission of loss for the Patriots, though it's understandable given the recent coaching change going from Jarod Mayo to Mike Vrabel. The regime will experience a lot of changes, which is what makes a simple pick swap like this makes sense. Jennings has untapped potential and could help support Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aidan Hutchinson, which changes the caluculus.
During his tenure with New England, Jennings played upwards of 79% of defensive snaps while showcasing an ability on special teams as well. He has multi-positional versatility and was originally a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, suggesting the Lions may be able to turn him into a reliable contributor. The Patriots couldn't, but their organization has been a dumpster fire for half of a decade, so that doesn't necesarily mean that Jennings can't contribute.
This is a worthwhile trade and a smart dart throw. Detroit needs someone to support Hutchinson on the defensive line and while Jennings may not become that guy, it's wise to give yourself as many shots on target as possible. Jennings ranked 69th out of 210 defensive edge rushers at Pro Football Focus, illustrating his untapped talent.
Whether or not you believe in him, Jennings is someone easily worth sending a sixth-round pick for. Detroit needs to find diamonds in the rough and leave no stone unturned. This represents that type of thinking and even if Jennings doesn't make the roster, which he should, this was a wise trade by Holmes.