A few weeks ago, if you'd asked any Detroit Lions fan what they felt was the team's biggest need at the trade deadline, they'd say cornerback without hesitation.
The number of explosive plays, and honestly, any plays where the ball hit the air, that were made to look easy due to the Lions' lack of any resistance in their secondary were atrocious. They were beat up on badly by Bryce Young and Josh Allen to open the year, and they headed into the bye week with a huge cloud hanging over the unit.
So, it's weird to sit here and say that, headed into Week 8, cornerback looks to be a major area of marked improvement. But, it's true, and it feels sustainable. And, that could make the Lions' trade deadline look a heck of a lot different than it could've just a few weeks ago.
Lions' trade deadline could look a lot different if defense holds up
The deadline is November 10 at 4pm EST, so following the Lions' games against the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins. To be honest, neither of these games feel like they can offer a legitimate test to their suddenly solid secondary, as Minnesota is one of the worst passing offenses in the league and Miami is living on a prayer with Malik Willis at quarterback.
So, looking at how they fared against a gunslinger like Jordan Love feels like a more appropriate measurement of where they've improved. The three keys there were D.J. Reed's excellent run defense and coverage, Brian Branch's stellar return, and the versatility Detroit showed off the bench with a rotation of Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Khalil Dorsey in coverage.
These players combined to hold Love to one interception, two passing touchdowns, and a QBR of just 53.3. Much credit is owed to the Lions' pass rush, to be sure, which pressured Love relentlessly and forced more errant passes downfield than usual from the quarterback. But, the secondary held up their end of the bargain in this contest, which should inspire confidence in Detroit's ability to replicate that success against similarly-talented signal callers.
Of course, this also steers the trade deadline conversation from one aggression level - and honestly, one position - to another position altogether: linebacker.
Lions should look out for available LB help at deadline
While Detroit might not be aggressively pursuing a starting cornerback anymore (although, they should still field offers), there's still an obvious need on defense that needs to be addressed: the lack of a linebacker that can work in coverage.
Jack Campbell is not suited for that role, and the Lions have already benched Malcolm Rodriguez for not being that guy, either. Trevor Nowaske offers an interesting solution here, but Detroit needs another player added to the mix to help out at one of their biggest weak points, which is defending tight ends.
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One major name worth kicking the can on is Zach Baun. He'd likely cost a pretty penny by way of a Day 2 pick, at minimum, and his contract beyond this season would require some major restructuring. Per Over The Cap, he carries a cap hit of $11.89 million in 2027, $10.69 million in 2028, and $18.27 million in 2029. The Lions have done what they've needed to create room, but for extensions - not bringing on more money.
Still, Baun is an elite linebacker in coverage, and if the Eagles are looking to get some money off their cursed books amid a sudden rebuild, they should be calling the Lions up immediately. And, Detroit should seriously consider this kind of move.
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