Despite wishes from fans, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes decided to stand pat at the trade deadline. Many Lions fans have expressed their annoyance with Holmes for not making any big-time moves at the trade deadline, like he did last season by acquiring former defensive end Za'Daris Smith from the Cleveland Browns.
With fans dreaming of a Super Bowl championship and parade down Woodward Avenue, Tuesday's deadline felt like the perfect opportunity for the Lions to take a shot with a major deadline move. With the Lions standing at 5-3 on the season, a move could've put them in a prime position to not only win their third straight NFC North division title, but their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
With no clear-cut favorite in the NFC this season, it feels like the Lions missed out on getting better at the trade deadline. So, what could the Lions have done at the trade deadline? The Lions have recently been dealing with injuries on their offensive line, which was on full display in their stunning 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in week 9.
What could've Lions done instead?
Acquiring an offensive line piece at the deadline could've provided better protection up front for the Lions quarterback, Jared Goff. Offensive line protection will be crucial heading towards the final stretch of the season for the Lions.
Detroit did, however, sign former Patriots guard Jack Conley to their practice squad after the injury to Christian Mahogany. This move, however, isn't enough to solve the Lions' recent issues.
Adding a defensive end to put next to Aidan Hutchinson would've also been a useful addition to strengthen the Lions' chase at a Super Bowl. The Lions missed out on an opportunity to trade for Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets, who was acquired by the Dallas Cowboys in a blockbuster deal on deadline day.
READ MORE: Glaring weakness for Jared Goff exposed in loss to Minnesota
Lions fans even would have loved the addition of Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, who was acquired by the Indianapolis Colts. While the Lions didn't do anything at the deadline, one other NFC title contender, the Philadelphia Eagles, did.
The Eagles acquired Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jaire Alexander on Saturday to add to their secondary. The addition of Alexander to the Eagles' secondary was considered a bold move, and he'll be a tough player for the Lions not only to go up against in week 11 but also if they face off in the NFL playoffs.
The longer the Lions avoid being aggressive, the harder it will be for them to win the Super Bowl. Lions fans are dying for a Super Bowl, and the best thing Holmes can do is make bold moves to deliver Detroit a championship. Holmes has brought the Lions to success these last two seasons that fans have never seen before, but it's time to reach higher, and that starts with being more aggressive.
Current challenges from NFC North rivals
Time will tell if it was worth the risk for the Lions to stand pat at the trade deadline, as Detroit is a four-team race for the NFC North division title, currently tied for second with the Chicago Bears and one game ahead of the Minnesota Vikings. The Green Bay Packers are in first place in the division with a 5-2-1 record.
The Lions will look to rebound from their loss to the Minnesota Vikings when they face off against an injury-battered Washington Commanders team on Sunday at FedEx Field. With how tight the NFC playoff picture currently is, the Lions must bounce back with a win against the Commanders.