Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) celebrates after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The NFL trade deadline is right around the corner on Nov. 4. We know that the Detroit Lions are already making calls looking for an edge rusher.

With that in mind, we will be taking a look at each edge rusher that could be available for trade, and we’ll put together a proposal and go over what the cost of each deal could be and what the Lions could get from each player. So far, we’ve covered Titans edge rusher Arden Key.

Lions trade proposal for Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips

Let’s start with the why and the fit. It’s really simple for that. This is the best edge rusher available for trade right now without a doubt. The former 18th overall pick is just 26 years old, and there is still a lot of upside for him as a starter opposite Aidan Hutchinson. This is the Lions’ chance to grab a guy they can look to re-sign and that can grow with the team over time. They’re not getting that elsewhere.

Yes, Phillips has some injury history, and I know that turns Lions fans off, but he is not Marcus Davenport. These were freak injuries that were somewhat related to each other. They actually do the Lions a favor in the re-signing process, too, because that drives his value down.

They could get away with something like a four-year deal worth up to $80 million, where there’s a lot of injury incentives and protections for the Lions laid out in the deal. They could also backload it because of that, and that allows them to still get other big deals done. Let’s get to the trade proposal.

Lions get: Jaelan Phillips
Dolphins get: 2026 4th round pick

The Lions are going to have to give a high day three pick to get it done, but what they get back is a player who has racked up 22 pressures this season and is just begging to take advantage of the one-on-one opportunities that Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill provide. In my opinion, this is the deal the Lions should do at the deadline because there’s a chance for a future here, and it doesn’t cost a first-round pick, and you don’t have to break the bank.