Since the Detroit Lions took Aidan Hutchinson second overall in the 2022 draft, he has been everything they hoped he'd be as the anchor of their pass rush.
The issue with getting after the quarterback has been everywhere else across the defensive front. Injuries and half-measures have particularly left things thin on the edge opposite Hutchinson.
General manager Brad Holmes has gotten defensive, and he surely will again if the opportunity strikes, about how hard it is to acquire another good edge rusher. But the time for those type of excuses is dwindling, as the Lions' Super Bowl window shrinks by the year. The "Super Bowl window" thing is also something has protested against in the past.
Lions fans are dreaming about bringing Maxx Crosby back to his home state, if he's available, but we know Holmes won't give up what's required to get him from the Las Vegas Raiders. There are some other edge rusher trade targets who make sense, and cost less.
One way or the other Holmes has to do something to add an edge rusher this offseason. Re-signing Al-Quadin Muhammad and pasting it together around that will not be enough. Any attempt to frame it that way should be treated in-kind.
New Lions' trade prediction would leave everyone wanting more
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report has come up with a dream offseason trade scenario for all 32 NFL teams. The Lions' scenario has to with getting an edge rusher, but not the one everyone wants. Or any other edge rusher who might be available on the trade market and has a high level of appeal, for that matter.
Moton has the Lions getting for Jermaine Johnson from the New York Jets as their "dream" trade scenario.
"Before the 2025 trade deadline, the New York Jets dealt cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys, respectively. According to SNY's Connor Hughes, they turned down offers that included a second-rounder for Jermaine Johnson."
"Ahead of a draft that features a deep group of pass-rushers, the Jets may be more willing to trade Johnson. He's entering the final year of his rookie deal, which will cost $13.4 million against the salary cap."
"Also, in 2024, Johnson tore his Achilles and missed 15 games. Last season, he played in 14 contests, logging three sacks, 13 pressures, and five tackles for loss. Because of those modest numbers, the Jets could make him available on the trade block. If so, Detroit may be able to acquire him."
"Johnson, a 2023 Pro Bowler, would fill a need on the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson."
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If the Jets could've gotten a second-rounder for Johnson at last season's trade deadline, they probably should've taken it since that shipped has sailed. Being further removed from his 2024 Achilles' tear will only be a good thing for next season, but outside of a Pro Bowl campaign that entailed a less-than remarkable 7.5 sacks, he has been a bust for the Jets. If possible, they'd surely love to clear his $13.4 million fifth-year option off their books by trading him this offseason.
Adding an edge rusher with a major injury on his resume, and/or on the cheap, would be right up Holmes' alley. That's surely why Moton honed in on Johnson as a prime trade target, if we're being fair.
But if (when?) a move is made to add an edge rusher this offseason, recent history is low-hanging fruit that cannot be settled for.