Lions get ideal trade idea from ESPN that fixes defense with two upgrades from Chargers

1 hour ago 3

The Detroit Lions are 3-2 on the season, and they'll have a real chance of making a playoff run this season if they can just fix one thing.

With an elite offense, all the Lions need to do is figure things out on defense. Unfortunately, they're likely going to need to make a trade or two to fix things on the defensive side of the ball.

To fix the defense, ESPN's Bill Barnwell proposed a trade idea that would be ideal for the Lions this Fall. The trade? It's a two-player-for-two-pick swap with the Los Angeles Chargers that'd bring a cornerback and edge rusher to Detroit.

Lions' ideal trade idea from ESPN lands Chargers' DE, CB

"Lions get: Edge Khalil Mack, CB Donte Jackson. Chargers get: 2027 fourth- and sixth-round picks," Barnwell proposed.

This trade idea for the Lions would have them landing Khalil Mack and Donte Jackson, a pair of solid veterans who'd instantly provide the Lions' defense the help it so desperately needs.

Combined with Brian Branch's impact on the secondary with his return from injury, the Lions' defense might be fixed. While it likely won't ever be a top-of-the-NFL unit this season, this kind of move could make it Super Bowl caliber at the very least.

MORE: Why Colts are likely sellers after firing Chris Ballard before NFL trade deadline

Since both Mack and Jackson will hit free agency after this season, this trade would be a true rental for the Lions, and while a fourth-rounder alone is a lot to give up for a rental, in this instance the Lions would be getting two quality players for a fair price.

Detroit's defense, led by Kelvin Sheppard, needs a lot of help. Adding someone like Mack to the defensive front could give Aidan Hutchinson a premier edge-rushing partner that could take some of the attention away from him.

Jackson, meanwhile, could give this banged-up Lions' cornerback room a veteran presence who can be trusted in pass coverage. He won't be a shutdown corner, but he can be a floor-raiser, which is really all this defense needs.

The 0-6 Chargers are going to be sellers this season; there's no doubt about that. If they sell, this trade idea from Barnwell would be an ideal way for the Lions to fix two issues with one trade on the defensive side of the ball.