Trading for former first-round pick tabbed as big move Detroit Lions should make

As the Detroit Lions look to take a step toward serious contention next season, trading for a former first-round pick has been tabbed as an offseason move to help get it done.

The Detroit Lions took a big step in 2022, from three wins in Dan Campbell’s first season as head coach to the franchise’s first winning record since 2017. Now comes finding a way to take the next step, like winning the NFC North and maybe more.

The focus this offseason will surely be focuses on improving a defense that better over the last 10 games, but still poor statistically for the season. Cornerback is the top need on the entire roster, but no level of Aaron Glenn’s unit is untouchable for free agent or draft pick additions.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has offered six offseason trade ideas to create the next Super Bowl contender. The Lions made the list, of course.

NFL Trade Rumors: Should the Detroit Lions make bold trade for former first-round pick?

Here’s the trade Ballentine has for the Lions to push them toward Super Bowl contention.

"Jaguars Receive: 2023 first-round pick (No. 18 overall)Lions Receive: Edge Josh AllenThe Detroit Lions might not be as far from contending as one would think. The franchise hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2016, but it took a major step forward by going 9-8 in 2022.The Lions could deal one of their two first-round picks and guarantee a young, dynamic duo of Allen and (Aidan) Hutchinson on the edge for years to come. That would be a scary development for the NFC North and the rest of the conference."

Allen has not had double-digit sacks since his 2019 rookie season. But he was seventh in the league in pressures this season (40), with seven sacks, 22 quarterback hits, 18 knockdowns and 15 hurries.

Allen is entering the final year of his rookie contract, making $10.89 million on his fifth-year option. The Jaguars are also more than $22 million over the 2023 salary cap right now, according to Over The Cap. So if they don’t plan to extend Allen, trading him may be on the table.

The Lions may consider taking an edge rusher with the 18th overall pick. In this scenario, they’d trade it for a proven pass rush commodity who’s still just 25 years old (26 in July 13). The idea should appeal to general manager Brad Holmes, and if Allen is available the Lions should be somewhere among the teams with interest.