The Detroit Lions have a loaded roster, primarily built around young talent on both sides of the football, but could look to make a big splash by trading for a big veteran presence before the regular season kicks off.
While Aidan Hutchinson is a dominant presence off the edge, posting 21 sacks through his first two NFL seasons, the Lions could use a veteran complement to elevate their chances of slowing elite offenses in the NFC such as the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Green Bay Packers, who may stand in Detroit’s way of a Super Bowl berth this season.
In New England, things have devolved around veteran Matthew Judon’s contract situation to the point that a trade may be the most likely resolution for the Patriots and the four-time Pro Bowler.
Could the Detroit Lions Trade For Matthew Judon?
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox put together a list of potential Judon trades, including the Lions swapping a depth receiver to provide a change of scenery for the veteran pass rusher embroiled in contentious contract talks.
Knox suggests the Lions could land Judon in exchange for wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick.
“In this scenario, the Lions look to capitalize on New England’s need for wide receiver help,” Knox writes for Bleacher Report. “The Patriots are looking to develop rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and they had arguably the league’s worst receiving corps in 2023.
“The Patriots also did little to improve their receiving corps this offseason besides adding K.J. Osborn and rookie second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk. Hypothetically, the Lions could offer them Donovan Peoples-Jones as part of a trade package. While New England might prefer 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams—who has yet to reach his potential in Detroit but has loads of it—the Lions have appeared pleased with Williams’ offseason progress.”
Sending Peoples-Jones wouldn’t disrupt the Lions’ deep receiving corps but could add a potentially game-altering piece to a defense that has the potential to be a driving force of a Super Bowl run.
Meanwhile, if the Patriots don’t believe they will be able to reach an accord on a long-term extension with Judon, adding a 25-year-old receiver who has already produced 1,895 receiving yards and caught eight touchdowns could make a significant impact on rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s development.
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