The Detroit Lions‘ feel-good start to the season took a major hit this past Sunday, as the Lions were smoked by the Baltimore Ravens to the tune of a 38-6 score in Week 7.
The question is, was is just one of those days, or was it a sign of things to come?
The Lions are 5-2 and still sit in first place in the NFC North. They also lay claim to impressive wins over the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons.
However, there is no doubt that their effort this past weekend was concerning, and it may have exposed some holes on their roster that need fixing.
Here are three trade targets for Detroit to consider ahead of the Oct. 31 NFL deadline.
Leonard Williams, New York Giants
The Lions could definitely use some help on their interior defensive line, as the duo of Alim McNeill and Benito Jones isn’t really scaring opposing offenses.
Leonard Williams could absolutely help solve that issue.
While Williams has fallen off over the last couple of seasons, it’s entirely possible that the veteran could use a change of scenery.
The 29-year-old is in the final year of his deal with a Giants team that has gone just 2-5 over their first seven games, so he seems like a prime trade candidate over the next week.
It was just three years ago that Williams racked up 11.5 sacks, and it seems hard to imagine that he has declined that much in such a short span (it’s not like he’s old).
Williams is also solid at stopping the run, so he would bring some versatility to the table.
Donte Jackson, Carolina Panthers
The Lions’ secondary has taken a big hit this season, as it has lost two starters in C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley to the injured reserve list.
Not surprisingly, Detroit’s pass defense has struggled thus far, ranking just 24th in the NFL.
While Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson would represent the ultimate pickup, the Bears seem hesitant to move him to begin with; let alone to an NFC North division rival.
That’s why Panthers corner Donte Jackson makes more sense.
Jackson tore his Achilles last season, but he has recovered nicely thus far in 2023. No, he isn’t a star, but he is a solid contributor who would help make up for the loss of Gardner-Johnson and Moseley.
The 28-year-old also probably wouldn’t command a hefty return, as his contract expires after the season.
Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers
For as solid as the Lions’ defense has been this season, the club’s pass rush has left something to be desired, totaling just 15 sacks through seven games.
Brian Burns, an edge rusher, would instantly help solve that problem for Detroit.
Burns would cost the Lions some substantial draft capital, and he is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, but Detroit is projected to have considerable cap space this offseason, so it could safely swing a deal for Burns while having enough money to re-sign him.
This would be a move for both now and the future for the Lions, who could be building something in the Motor City.
Carolina is 0-6 heading into Week 8, so it stands to reason that the team could ultimately decide to jettison Burns and recoup some nice assets for the future before potentially losing him for nothing in the spring.
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