The Detroit Lions have some major needs coming into focus as they get set to tackle the trade deadline on November 4, and figuring out what to do is a big goal after this weekend.
Not only could the Lions stand an upgrade to their pass rush, they could certainly benefit from an addition in the secondary. Both positions have dealt with injuries this season, and adding depth could improve their odds as it relates to making a postseason run and staying sound on defense.
Normally, the Lions don’t choose to make huge deadline moves, but the time for that could change with the clock ticking on the franchise in terms of their Super Bowl window. That could give Detroit the impetus for making a more bold move in 2025 than adding depth.
Before the deadline, folks are putting their thinking caps on as it relates to big moves for teams. The Lions made the cut in Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker’s fairytale look at moves that make sense for teams. Locker believes Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner represents an ideal match for Detroit.
“Even though the Bengals have languished defensively — placing 31st in EPA per play and 25th in team PFF coverage grade — Turner has been outstanding. Turner’s 80.0 PFF coverage mark is the third-best among qualified cornerbacks, and his nine pass breakups lead the NFL. Altogether, Turner has been responsible for 0.14 Wins Above Replacement, tied for the most among corners in 2025.”
“Like Hendrickson, Turner doesn’t seem likely to leave Cincinnati before next week — with one more year on his contract and still only 25, he’s a definite extension candidate. Yet if the Bengals decide to shop their star edge rusher, then their standout corner probably isn’t entirely off limits. Adding Turner to a strong Lions defense could potentially form the league’s best secondary when healthy.”
Turner attended the University of Michigan from 2019-2022, so his return would represent a homecoming of sorts. There’s no doubt Turner has been a solid cover corner during his time in the league, and he could help give the Lions another quality weapon to help defend the pass.
Along with the elite DJ Reed and the solid Terrion Arnold, Turner could be another major weapon that could help Detroit beef up their secondary for what they hope is a Super Bowl run.
Lions’ best trade deadline idea could be to go big or not make addition
The Lions have reportedly been shopping for upgrades at cornerback leading up to the trade deadline, and that points to the idea that the team understands the importance of making an addition to help their viability for a postseason run.
In spite of that, Detroit has already seen that they have decent depth on the back end. Their sweltering 24-9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was fueled by underrated players in the defensive backfield notably earning the nickname ‘Legion of Whom.’ The more confidence those players gain, the easier for them to potentially step in and play major roles if and when they are needed.
Detroit’s pass rush has been solid as well, with names like Al-Quadin Muhammad stepping in surprisingly, and a healthy Aidan Hutchinson being the leader of the pack. The Lions also figure to get Marcus Davenport back at some point in the second-half, which could provide them the improved depth they seek.
Already, the Lions’ depth is very good in both positions. With that in mind, the franchise should probably look at bigger moves such as the one speculated in the PFF piece. A bigger move could help better tip the scales for the Lions in terms of a playoff run, making it potentially the ideal type of move to watch.
