Bleacher Report suggests Detroit Lions look toward NFC rivals for defensive upgrades

The Detroit Lions need to improve the defense this offseason, particularly in the secondary and at edge rusher.

Chances are the Lions aren't going to be able to fill all of their needs in free agency, which means they will have to consider other avenues to find upgrades. The trade market is another place that offers some veteran options to consider.

Bleacher Report analyzed each team's offseason from a trade angle, and suggested 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward and Eagles edge rusher Haasan Reddick as targets for the Lions.

"In an ideal scenario, Detroit would pull a premier player away from another NFC contender. San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward and Philadelphia Eagles pass-rusher Haason Reddick are both entering the final year of their contracts and would be tremendous additions to the Lions defense."

Both Ward and Reddick would be in line to make a big impact on the Lions' defense. This past season with the 49ers, Ward set a career high in interceptions with five while also totaling 72 tackles. Reddick has 27 sacks over the last two years in Philadelphia.

While it's easy to say other top NFC teams won't willing trade impact defenders to the Lions, sometimes situations push things that direction.

Brad Holmes promises smart approach for Detroit Lions' additions

Even though the Lions have plenty of cap space, they may instead choose to earmark a lot of those funds for key upcoming contract extensions. That could leave Holmes looking to be strategic and creative, which is something he promised heading into the offseason.

"It's one pot, so you got to be very strategic of those finances. That's what makes the league as great as it is. You got to be very strategic of how that pot is divvied up, but we'll be smart and we'll make the right moves. It just changes the landscape a little bit in free agency. Our first agency, we didn't have any real resources to spend and we had to be very selective and try to find an Alex Anzalone or a Kalif Raymond. Last year, we had a little bit more resources and were able to get a Cam Sutton and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. This year will be a little bit different, but we'll be smart."

Potentially, the Lions could still make a big splash with a trade. Adding either Ward or Reddick could solve a big need in a bold way.