The Detroit Lions lost Aidan Hutchinson to a broken leg for the rest of this season, which means they are now forced to ponder life without their best defender.
Hutchinson has a unique ability to wreck a game on his own, as he showed this season when he piled up 4.5 sacks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Without him, the Lions' defense is far less scary.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes the Lions are good enough to justify a big move to replace Hutchinson.
Detroit has to be aggressive here https://t.co/pHkLIMPH0k
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) October 14, 2024
"The season's changed. The (Las Vegas) Raiders aren't having the season that maybe they were expecting. You need a quarterback. Detroit can't waste this opportunity. This window is only (open so long). I think you call the Raiders for Maxx Crosby. I don't care if costs you a first-round pick, you give it. I don't care if it costs you a first and second-round pick, you give it. You're the best team in the NFC. I think you call the Cleveland Browns and ask what it would cost to get either Myles Garrett or Za'Darius Smith. I think you could call the (Jacksonville) Jaguars for Josh Hines-Allen."
Dan Campbell has balked at suggestions for the Lions to make a big move to replace Hutchinson, but Orlovsky is on to something. The Lions have a window to win a Super Bowl right now. Stepping up with a bold move would send the right message.
Big Aidan Hutchinson replacement is only way Detroit Lions keep season afloat
Before Hutchinson was injured, it's fair to remember how the Lions had some problems rushing the passer. They lacked a secondary presence up front with Hutchinson, and even if was healthy the Lions would have needed an upgrade opposite him.
Whether it's Crosby or Garrett, Orlovsky is correct that the Lions need to be thinking big in terms of a trade. It's not often Detroit can proclaim themselves a Super Bowl favorite at midseason. With that in mind, Brad Holmes has an opportunity to keep the Lions at the top and mitigate major damage.
The Lions have built their core through the draft. So they could withstand trading early draft picks in order to keep a potentially historic season afloat. Adding an established name would keep their defensive line strong, and ensure there is no drop off without Hutchinson.
Orlovsky is right. The Lions must be aggressive to replace Hutchinson. It's possibly the only way they can maximize the 2024 season.