The Detroit Lions defense came up big once again for the opposing offense in a disastrous 26-32 loss on Sunday Night Football.
The Carolina Panthers offense was going to be a difficult challenge to begin with, as quarterback Bryce Young leads the league in passing yards. But he was missing his WR2, Jalen Coker, so surely we would see some semblance of progress for defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's defense, right?
Yeah, that didn't happen. As The Athletic's Colton Pouncey pointed out on X, Sheppard's defense currently ranks near or at the bottom in an embarrassingly long list of defensive metrics and situations, including explosive play rate allowed (15.3 percent, last), touchdown rate allowed (40.5 percent, last), and defensive EPA per dropback (-0.32, 30th).
You can't change that overnight unless the issue truly is Sheppard's schemes and play-calling. But general manager Brad Holmes can do his part by finally making a big enough swing in the trade market.
While cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is off the board after some attempt was made to acquire him, Holmes still has his options as trade deadline sellers start to become more clear.
4 defensive players the Lions should look to trade for
Derwin James Jr. (Safety/Slot CB, Los Angeles Chargers)
Only one team that started 0-4 has made the playoffs -- the 1992 San Diego Chargers. The 2026 Los Angeles Chargers are off to a similar 0-4 start, after scoring the fifth-fewest points through four weeks under new offensive coordinator and popular Lions offseason OC candidate Mike McDaniel.
The Chargers' defense hasn't met its high expectations, but those high expectations mean talent. Edge rusher Khalil Mack could be an intriguing option, but the Lions' pass rush is surprisingly doing well, all things considered. It's best to focus on the secondary.
The biggest name on the Chargers' secondary is safety and slot CB Derwin James Jr. A former First-Team All-Pro and multi-time Second-Team All-Pro, the 30-year-old is currently nursing a hamstring injury. He missed Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, but was questionable leading up to it. An earlier bye week could help him heal up, but the Lions would have to act fast to acquire him.
James Jr. has experience at strong safety, free safety, and the slot CB role. That versatility can help the Lions as they try to come up with a starting unit that works. He's also signed through the 2029 season, with a maximum cap hit of $27.5 million, but has a potential out after the 2027 season, per Spotrac. If Kerby Joseph really is unable to return this season, or if the Lions are still struggling in the slot, James Jr. would be a perfect fit.
Antoine Winfield Jr. (Safety, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also 0-4 and have numerous former Lions who maybe could make a return. Instead, the Lions should explore a deal for Antoine Winfield Jr. The former First-Team All-Pro is off to another strong start, currently graded as the 12th best-graded safety by Pro Football Focus (76.9).
Winfield Jr. was hurt late in the Buccaneers' loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday with an abdomen/rib injury and was described to be "in considerable pain" after the game by ESPN's Jenna Laine. He'll likely miss some time, but could be a strong option for the Lions if he's back by the November 10 trade deadline.
Winfield Jr. is signed through the 2027 season, so he wouldn't be a long-term commitment for the Lions. And, like James Jr., he could be a fail-safe if the team doesn't extend Brian Branch. The Buccaneers are also presumably more likely to part with Winfield Jr., as the Chargers could be more committed to salvaging their season instead of planning for the next.
If the Lions are eying safety in their potential pursuit of upgrades, Winfield Jr. should be top of mind.
Kristian Fulton (CB, Kansas City Chiefs)
With the safeties out of the way, time for a CB option. Kansas City Chiefs' Kristian Fulton fits the Lions well in the sense that he hasn't had the best time staying healthy and will be a free agent after this season.
Jokes aside, even though Fulton was a healthy scratch in Week 3, he has allowed only a 16.7 passer rating when targeted, per PFF. His 73.8 grade on PFF ranks ninth among qualified CBs and, on the season, Fulton has seven tackles and an interception in three games (one start).
But the 4-0 Chiefs have an embarrassment of riches on defense, making Fulton expendable. Being able to snag a pick for a player they'll likely allow to walk in free agency makes all the sense in the world for them.
The Chiefs are currently on their bye for Week 5, so a trade now could give Fulton up to three weeks to get acclimated before making his Lions debut. He isn't the most exciting CB the Lions could acquire, but he's easily one of the most realistic and can be a firm upgrade from what they have.
Derek Stingley Jr. (CB, Houston Texans)
Okay, one wishful thinking one! And it may take a wishful thinking trade to save Sheppard's job, anyway. Houston Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. was First-Team All-Pro at CB each of the previous two seasons. At 25 years old, he's every bit the long-term shutdown corner Lions fans have dreamed of.
The Texans are 0-4 and Stingley Jr.'s cap hit will spike after this season. The Texans are very unlikely to trade him, but if they pivot to retool mode, they could get an absolute haul in a Stingley Jr. trade. That isn't Holmes' M.O., but if he's beginning to feel cornered and is looking for a move that could extend his Lions tenure and generate excitement, then Stingley Jr. could be that aggressive move.
Whether it's a bold move like Stingley Jr., a small move for a player hardly any of us have heard of, or someone like Nick Whiteside on the practice squad, the right move could be just what the doctor ordered for the Lions. And, for Sheppard, it could prove that this whole thing really was a personnel matter.
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