The Detroit Lions are actively exploring options ahead of the NFL’s November 5 trade deadline, seeking a defensive end to replace Aidan Hutchinson, who will miss the remainder of the regular season due to a broken tibia.
While many Lions fans dream of acquiring a high-profile player like Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, a solid addition—even if not as well-known—could still be beneficial.
Some NFL analysts suggest that Detroit should prioritize signing a pass-rusher who has been performing well recently.
Detroit Lions ‘Should Be Interested’ in Budding Pass-Rusher
In an October 23 feature titled “2024 NFL Trade Block Big Board Entering Week 8,” Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox identified New York Giants pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari as the top trade target in the NFL.
Knox also named the Detroit Lions as a potential destination for Ojulari.
The 24-year-old has been on a hot streak lately, recording his third sack in two games against Jalen Hurts on October 20.
This season, Ojulari has accumulated four sacks, four tackles for loss, and six quarterback pressures.
“Giants pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari remains in our top spot for the second successive week,” Knox noted. “New York may look to improve its offensive line to better protect (and evaluate) quarterback Daniel Jones before the offseason.
However, the 2-5 Giants should be open to moving impending free agents like Ojulari.”
Knox added, “Detroit, naturally, should be interested in acquiring Ojulari before the trade deadline.”
Other pass-rushers on Knox’s radar for the Lions include Chase Young of the New Orleans Saints and Za’Darius Smith of the Cleveland Browns.
Bleacher Report’s weekly scouting report, published on October 21, also highlighted Ojulari as the No. 1 trade target for Detroit.
The Right Aidan Hutchinson Replacement Could Bring the Detroit Lions Their ‘First NFL Championship Since 1957’
In an October 23 feature for Athlon Sports, NFL analyst Doug Farrar also endorsed Ojulari as a strong candidate to replace Aidan Hutchinson.
“Ojulari isn’t going to win with a ton of power moves at his size, but he’s developed a great palette of techniques to create the open space he generally needs,” Farrar stated.
“He’ll read gaps like a running back might, and his quickness to those gaps is an alpha skill. Ojulari will also use his hands and arms to extend out against blockers, beating them to the punch, and that’s how he’ll move inside to the pocket.”
Farrar added, “The speed aspect of his game would make him a potentially formidable addition because he doesn’t necessarily need schematic help to get to the quarterback.”
He even suggested that the right Hutchinson replacement could help the Lions make a historic run.
“If the Lions can add the right kind of pass rusher to their roster now, and Hutchinson is actually able to come back for a hypothetical Super Bowl appearance as has been posited, this team could be on track for its first NFL championship since 1957,” Farrar wrote.
