Welcome to NFL trade deadline day. After 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, no more trades can be executed until the start of the league year in 2027.
For the Detroit Lions, that likely means this is their last opportunity to make a roster upgrade for the 2026 season. And while the Lions don’t have any massively pressing needs, they are in a bit of an arms race in the NFC. The Chicago Bears added DT Jeffery Simmons a couple of weeks ago. The Seattle Seahawks added guard Quenton Nelson. The 49ers brought back DeForest Buckner.
Detroit is in a good spot in the NFC—currently holding onto the fifth seed in the NFL playoff standings—but just about everyone in contention for a postseason spot is playing decent football right now.
The Lions have already made one minor move before the deadline, trading for reserve safety Andre Cisco. But I’m guessing most Lions fans want more. So today’s Question of the Day is:
What is your dream trade scenario for the Lions?
My answer: Trading for Eagles linebacker Zack Baun.
Philadelphia has already shown a willingness to trade amid their 2-7 start to the season. On Monday, they sent defensive tackle Jordan Davis to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a first-round pick and a future second-round pick. That’s a pretty penny to pay, and it may be indicative that Baun will be costly if the Eagles are going to let him go.
But in Baun, the Lions would be getting a dynamic playmaker. Baun does everything in that Eagles defense. He’s above average in coverage—grading 71.4 or better in each of the last three seasons, per PFF. He’s a pass-rushing threat, with nine sacks since 2024. And he’s an absolute force in the run game, as well.
He’d also come with an insanely team-friendly contract, seeing as most of his money is currently tied up in signing and option bonuses that stay with the Eagles upon a trade. Detroit would only be due a prorated version of his $1.215 million salary this year, then they would have an option for 2027 to pay Baun a $14.4 million option bonus to keep him around in 2027.
Now, that low salary would likely mean shelling out significant draft capital to lure him away from Philly. We’re likely talking about a second-round pick, minimum. But if that’s the price, I’d pull the trigger.
The Lions don’t just have questions at linebacker this year—with Jack Campbell’s future in football unknown, Jimmy Rolder on season-ending IR, and Devin White also on IR. But Detroit also has questions beyond this year. Only Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Rolder are signed for 2027, and there’s an out in Barnes’ contract if Detroit wishes to move on. Baun would give the Lions a head start on fortifying their linebacker room for the future.
What is your dream trade for the Lions before the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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