The Detroit Lions are coming off a dominant 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6, but the season-ending injury to superstar edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson has brought down most of the excitement from the resounding victory.
Hutchinson’s injury has created a glaring need at edge rusher for the Lions ahead of the trade deadline, but general manager Brad Holmes could also look to add talent in the secondary before Nov. 5.
Though Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have been a solid duo on the back end, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes the Lions should acquire Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker.
It may be time for the Cardinals to cash in the six-time Pro Bowler with an in-season deal.
The Lions, who have already placed safety Ifeatu Melifonwu on injured reserve, should be interested. While Baker wouldn’t address Detroit’s need for pass-rushing help, he’d add valuable depth and versatility to its secondary.
Though Baker is a phenomenal player and Detroit could use more depth at safety, the Lions shouldn’t trade for the former second-round pick.
Detroit’s pressing need for an edge rusher after the Hutchinson injury outweighs the need for another safety and the Lions should save resources for their expected pursuit of an edge rusher.
Additionally, Baker is a free agent next offseason and will command high-level money on the open market. The Lions may not be able to keep him around and would only have him for a little over half a season as a result.
The Lions have a major test in Week 7, as Dan Campbell’s squad travels to Minneapolis to square off against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. Detroit’s lackluster pass rush has a formidable matchup on their hands, as the Vikings’ offensive line has been fantastic in 2024.
Read the full article here
