Lions Rumors: 4 trade targets linked to Detroit

3. Brian Burns, EDGE, Panthers

One of the most likely names to be traded by the deadline is Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns, who has seen his situation botched like no other. Last year, Carolina turned down a trade from the Rams that included a pair of first rounders, and now, they're unlikely to get that type of return.

Still, Burns would probably cost a first-round pick. The Lions, meanwhile, have a young, nasty cornerstone at the position in Aidan Hutchinson, who is on his rookie deal for a while yet. Being able to extend Burns and have him paired with Hutchinson could wreak havoc for years to come. The possibilities are quite scary.

Burns is 25 years old and has earned two Pro Bowl nods in the past two seasons, and is likely heading for a third-straight. Through this point in the season, Burns has 4.0 sacks. Assuming he was traded to a team like Detroit, Burns' motivation would be through the roof. Being able to play next to Hutchinson would take pressure off both of them, allowing even more room for success.

Again, Detroit would have to give up a hefty package to land him. But, he'd be worth it not just for right now, but for years to come.