The search for a pass rush option the Detroit Lions will actually pursue this offseason continues.
There have been a ton of options discussed this offseason whether they were free agents, draft prospects, or trade candidates.
So far, the Lions have decided to stick with the same group of edge rushers they had at the start of last season.
Detroit Lions defensive tackle D.J. Reader sacking Caleb Williams
Detroit Lions defensive tackle D.J. Reader
Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Fans continue to hope that will change before the 2025 season begins and AtoZ Sports' Mike Payton has presented another option the Lions could potentially pursue.
In a recent article, Payton proposed a trade that would see the Lions send D.J. Reader to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for A.J. Epenesa.
I talked about Reader being a potential cut candidate for the Lions in the immediate aftermath of this year's draft and his spot on the roster still doesn't look like it should be guaranteed.
The team has plenty of options at defensive tackle with Tyleik Williams joining Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, and Roy Lopez for the start of the season. Alim McNeill will also rejoin the group once he has worked his way back from his injury.
Reader already only played 53% of snaps last season despite the Lions not being nearly as deep at his position and he carries a cap hit of $12.9 million for 2025.
The Lions could save $11.7 million of that cap hit by trading Reader.
Trading for Epenesa wouldn't be the flashiest option for the Lions and he certainly has his limitations, but he'd at least be an upgrade for them.
Epenesa struggled to get pressure on QBs this past season. According to Pro Football Focus, he had just 21 pressures in 356 pass rush snaps.
However, he was able to reach six sacks for the third consecutive season. He was also a part of 32 total tackles for the Bills.
He would also only cost the Lions $6.2 million in cap space, so this move would save them quite a bit of money.
There are still some better options available for the Lions in free agency, but this move would save them money, which seems to be the priority right now, and still give them a better option to be their second edge rusher.