We have two more games to get through before the Detroit Lions may have some key additions to their roster...or not. After whiffing on Joey Porter Jr., the Lions have yet to be named in any other pursuit of available cornerbacks on the trade market. Of course, there's plenty of time for that to change.
November 10 at 4pm EST is this year's trade deadline, which leaves them two contests to really evaluate their largest looming needs - one against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings, and one against the one-win Miami Dolphins.
Cornerback remains a point of concern for the Lions headed towards the deadline, however, other areas of their defense deserve some attention as well. Namely, linebacker has been an underrated need this season. Defensive tackle could use some attention, as well, with Detroit missing pop beyond their current starters, and behind rookie Skyler Gill-Howard.
Here, we'll rank five current trade targets for the Lions headed into Week 8, and amid some silence from their front office.
1. Sauce Gardner
Gardner has seen a major drop off in production since being traded to the Colts in a blockbuster deal with the New York Jets. The former phenom for New York has become a ghost of himself while with Indianapolis, going from a shutdown outside corner to one allowing a passer rating of 113.6. That's an unbelievable change from Gardner, which makes you wonder if another change in scenery could do him some good.
He'd immediately figure as a starter for the Lions, and one of the youngest starting defenders in their secondary. He carries a big bill, which could be what prevents the Lions from taking a swing on him - a cap hit of just over $20 million in 2027 is just the start, with that number ballooning to $36 million by 2030.
This could work in the Lions' favor in any negotiations with Indianapolis. They could potentially get him for a Day 2 pick, after initially being dealt for two first-round draft picks. His drop-off in production coupled with his price tag could give Detroit leverage in trying to land the Detroit native.
Likely trade compensation: 2027 2nd round pick, or two future 3rd-round picks
2. Charvarius Ward
Ward is another Colts cornerback the Lions should be seriously considering taking a swing on, although he has his own caveats - he's 30 years old, and a serious concussion risk. However, he's been far better than Gardner this season, allowing a passer rating of just 65.1. He would also immediately start for the Lions, adding some great depth to their secondary.
Ward is currently on an expiring deal, which feels more in line with what the Lions are looking to add to their books - a one-year rental. Porter would've offered the same thing, although he was sitting out for the Pittsburgh Steelers because they wouldn't negotiate a new deal with him. They couldn't afford to have another disgruntled star on the team.
This could be a low risk, high reward trade for the Lions. They'd take on no responsibility beyond 2027, while offering Ward an opportunity to audition to remain with a contending team long-term with a great finish to his year with them in 2026.
Likely trade compensation: 2027 3rd-round pick
3. Zach Baun
This one feels more like a pipe dream, but Baun could be an immediate lift to the Lions' defense and linebacker unit. If the team isn't ready just yet to trust Trevor Nowaske as their main coverage linebacker, Baun could be their guy.
Baun has only one year remaining on his current deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, with a potential void and out in 2028. His cap hit for 2027 is also only $11.8 million, which is a far easier financial pill to swallow than the one Detroit would be attempting to with Gardner's deal. Baun is also going to be 30 this year, so age is somewhat a concern, but linebacker remains a huge need for the Lions with no relief in sight.
Likely trade compensation: 2027 3rd-round pick, 2028 4th-round pick
4. Daron Payne
Defensive tackle is probably last of mind for the Lions right now, especially with how well Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams, and Gill-Howard have played this year. But, the drop-off is steep after them: Levi Onwuzurike and Mekhi Wingo haven't offered much at backup DT this season, and it could be worth kicking the can on adding some more reliable depth by way of Payne.
The Washington Commanders defender would be a one-year rental, so that fits the Lions' timeline for extensions due up next offseason. Check. He's good against the run, a small weakness for the Lions' defensive line that needs to be addressed. Check. And, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen, some logical fits for him include two NFC opponents that the Lions play this season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants. Trading for him keeps him away from their rivals. Check.
Every Super Bowl winner the last few seasons have had a ferocious defensive line. Why not attempt to replicate that success if you're the Lions?
Likely trade compensation: 2027 3rd-round pick, 2028 4th-round pick
5. Alontae Taylor
Taylor remains an intriguing option for the Lions. He was a fit for them in free agency last season, and remains a fit ahead of the deadline. However, he carries a big financial burden, with his entire 2027 salary of $20.5 million guaranteed. That hit shrinks in 2028, but it would still mean that the Lions would likely be forced to restructure his deal in order to make things work.
Taylor can play outside or in the slot, making him a versatile starter to consider adding to their depth chart. He had 40 pass breakups in four seasons with the New Orleans Saints prior to joining the Tennessee Titans, where he's seen a drop-off in production and a subsequent benching.
Likely trade compensation: 2027 3rd-round pick
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