The Detroit Lions have been on the lookout for over two seasons for a pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson, and one analyst suggests they might find a solution in a player selected just before Hutchinson.
ESPN’s Ben Solak proposed that the Lions could capitalize on the turmoil in Jacksonville by trading for Jaguars edge rusher Travon Walker. Despite the Jaguars securing their first win of the season recently, Solak indicated that they might still be open to trading players at the upcoming NFL deadline, potentially finding a partner in the Lions.
Walker, the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has underperformed relative to expectations, accumulating 18.5 sacks over 37 career games. Solak noted that a change of scenery in Detroit could benefit Walker if the Jaguars decide to move him.
### Lions Could Acquire Walker for Moderate Picks
Solak identified Walker as an intriguing trade candidate, mentioning that he has had two solid games this season but three games with little impact. He stated, “He still hasn’t quite figured it out with the Jaguars, but he has done enough (five sacks this season) to warrant a solid return.”
Solak speculated that the Lions could acquire Walker for a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick, a reasonable cost for a team that is “worryingly thin at defensive end” due to key injuries.
He explained how the Lions would utilize Walker as a strong base end, supporting the run and pressuring the quarterback opposite Hutchinson, who was drafted just after Walker. This role became even more crucial after the season-ending injury to Marcus Davenport and the loss of John Cominsky.
### Other Options for the Lions
While it’s uncertain if Walker will be available for trade, there are other avenues the Lions might explore to bolster their edge-rushing depth. Christian Booher from SI.com suggested that the Lions could bring in a veteran free agent to replace some of Davenport’s contributions.
Booher highlighted several veterans with injury histories, such as Shaq Lawson and former Lion Austin Bryant, who are currently without teams.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell also indicated that the team plans to utilize their depth, giving third-year edge rusher Josh Paschal more opportunities. He stated, “That’s why we have the depth that we do… The odds of having every starter available every game are slim, so it’s essential to have that depth.”
