The Detroit Lions have been on the lookout for a pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson for over two seasons, and one analyst believes they might find the solution in a player drafted just before Hutchinson.
ESPN’s Ben Solak suggested 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, Solak indicated that they might still be open to trading players as the NFL trade deadline approaches, with the Lions potentially being a suitable trade partner.
Walker, the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has underperformed relative to expectations, accumulating 18.5 sacks in 37 career games. Solak mentioned that a move to Detroit could provide Walker with a much-needed fresh start if the Jaguars decide to let him go.
He described Walker as an intriguing trade candidate, noting he has had two solid performances this season, alongside three disappointing games. “He hasn’t fully adapted with the Jaguars yet, but his five sacks this season could still garner a decent return,” Solak stated.
#Lions pass-rusher Marcus Davenport suffered what appears to be a serious and significant elbow injury in Sunday’s game, sources say.
Davenport, who put a sleeve on it and tried to return, could be lost for the season. He’s currently undergoing more tests. pic.twitter.com/MlPGpRuZ3f
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2024
He proposed that the Lions could acquire Walker in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick, a reasonable price considering the Lions are “worryingly thin at defensive end” due to key injuries.
“I know how the Lions would utilize him: as a robust base end who can handle the run and pressure the quarterback opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who was taken just after Walker in that 2022 draft,” Solak explained. He noted that this was the intended role for Marcus Davenport, who was lost for the season with a torn triceps in Week 4, and John Cominsky, another key player, is also sidelined for the year with a knee injury.
While it’s uncertain if Walker will be available as the trade deadline nears, other suggestions have emerged for the Lions to address their edge rusher depth.
Christian Booher from SI.com mentioned that the Lions could consider signing a veteran free agent to help fill the gap left by Davenport. “The free agent defensive end market includes several veterans with injury histories,” Booher noted, pointing out options like Shaq Lawson and former Lion Austin Bryant, who are currently without teams.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell also indicated that the team plans to rely on their current roster, giving third-year edge rusher Josh Paschal a larger role. “That’s the purpose of building depth,” Campbell said. “It’s unlikely that your starters will be available for every game throughout the season, so having that depth is crucial.”
