It’s not the situation many Lions fans wanted when the 2026 NFL season kicked off, but at 2-2, Detroit faces what some see as a must-win game on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
While losing to the Cardinals obviously wouldn’t end the Lions' playoff aspirations, losing to an Arizona team that is expected to be selecting top five in the 2027 NFL Draft and hasn’t won a home game at State Farm Stadium since Sept. 14, 2025, would not be an ideal outcome for Detroit, especially after their disappointing 31-26 road loss to the Carolina Panthers, where defensive concerns continued.
Currently tied for last in the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers and with the trade deadline set for Nov. 10, the Lions could use an addition at several positions. If the Lions are serious about reclaiming the NFC North crown and setting themselves up for potential postseason success, a move at the deadline is a must for Detroit. Here are three positions the Lions could add at the deadline, other than cornerback.
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Running back
The Lions are one Jahmyr Gibbs injury away from Sione Vaki being their starting running back. With all due respect to Vakai, that is one of the last situations that the Lions want to be in. Due to the possibility of this happening, running back is absolutely a position that the Lions could opt to target at the trade deadline.
A potential target for the Lions at the deadline could be Kenny Gainwell from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In four games this season for the winless Buccaneers, Gainwell has rushed for 26 yards on 13 carries.
Other potential targets that could be for the taking at the deadline include Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans) and Brian Robinson Jr. (Washington Commanders).
Safety
The Lions need all the secondary they can get regardless of whether they fire defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. Safety is one of those positions the Lions could look to add to at the deadline.
Potential playmakers at safety that could be on the market include Malik Mustapha (San Francisco 49ers), Caleb Downs (Dallas Cowboys), and Jesse Bates (Atlanta Falcons). All three players would provide the much-needed help at safety that the Lions need in their secondary.
QB2
Joshua Dobbs is currently listed as the Lions' backup quarterback behind Jared Goff, but with no third player at the position on the roster, Detroit, while it seems unlikely, may pursue a third at the deadline. Potential suitors could include Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals), Mason Rudolph (Pittsburgh Steelers), and Mac Jones (San Francisco 49ers). All three quarterbacks would be considered suitable backups for Goff.
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