This off-season, the Detroit Lions should think about these four bold moves.

1. Pursue a Star Quarterback via Trade or Free Agency

The Lions have Jared Goff under contract, and he’s had a productive season, but if they’re aiming to take the next step toward playoff contention or even a Super Bowl, they might want to consider an upgrade at the quarterback position. Goff has had his fair share of highs and lows, and while he’s not the primary reason for Detroit’s success, there’s a ceiling to what he can achieve. Detroit might explore trading for a high-caliber quarterback or pursuing one in free agency.

Possible Targets:

Trey Lance (San Francisco 49ers): Trey Lance is one of the biggest “what-ifs” in the NFL, as injuries have kept him from realizing his potential. If the 49ers are willing to part ways with the young quarterback, Detroit could make a move for him. With his dual-threat ability and raw talent, Lance could be the future leader of the Lions.
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers): This is a far-fetched move, but the Lions could look to bring in a future Hall-of-Famer. If Rodgers decides to leave Green Bay, Detroit could make a splash move to bring him in, especially if they’re confident in their team’s readiness to win now.
Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): While it’s unlikely the Ravens part with their star QB, Lamar Jackson could be a difference-maker in Detroit. His dynamic playmaking ability and athleticism would elevate the Lions’ offense to a new level, potentially putting them in Super Bowl contention.

The quarterback position is the most important on the field, and a bold move to secure a top-tier signal-caller could provide the Lions with a much-needed boost.

2. Aggressive Free-Agent Signings to Bolster the Defense

The Lions’ defense has been a mixed bag, and while there have been improvements in recent seasons, they still have weaknesses that need to be addressed. With a promising young offense, bolstering the defense could give Detroit a true chance at contending for a division title.

Targeting Key Free Agents:

Javon Hargrave (Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles): The Lions need to fortify their defensive line. Hargrave could be a massive upgrade, providing pressure on the quarterback and helping in run defense. His ability to disrupt plays would be invaluable, and his leadership would make the defense stronger.
Jamel Dean (Cornerback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers): A physical cornerback like Jamel Dean could provide Detroit’s secondary with the stability and playmaking ability they need. Dean has been a reliable corner in Tampa, and pairing him with a developing Amani Oruwariye and Jeff Okudah would give the Lions a formidable secondary.
Bobby Wagner (Linebacker, Los Angeles Rams): Although Wagner is in the twilight of his career, he is still one of the best linebackers in the NFL. His leadership and IQ could bring stability to Detroit’s defense and provide guidance to the younger players, especially in the middle of the field.

Detroit has a promising young core, but the defense still has holes to fill, particularly in the secondary and at linebacker. Adding a couple of experienced, high-impact players would make the Lions’ defense a lot more formidable, giving the team a shot at competing for a playoff spot.

3. Trading Up for a High-Caliber Defensive Prospect

The draft is an important tool for teams looking to build for the future, and the Lions have two first-round picks in 2025, which gives them a unique opportunity to land a star player. While Detroit should continue to build on the foundation they’ve established, a bold move could be to trade up in the draft to secure a high-caliber defensive prospect.

Defensive Draft Targets:

Will Anderson Jr. (Edge Rusher, Alabama): Anderson is one of the best defensive prospects in recent years, and adding him would be a game-changer for Detroit’s pass rush. His ability to disrupt the quarterback could take the Lions’ defense to the next level, helping them compete in a loaded NFC North division.
Jalen Carter (Defensive Tackle, Georgia): If Carter falls, the Lions could pounce on the opportunity to get one of the best defensive tackles in college football. A player with his combination of size, speed, and strength could bolster Detroit’s defensive front for years to come.
Christian Gonzalez (Cornerback, Oregon): The Lions could also target a top-tier cornerback to further strengthen their secondary. Gonzalez has the size and skills to be a lockdown corner, and pairing him with their current defensive backfield could provide Detroit with an elite secondary.

By trading up, the Lions would be signaling their desire to seriously contend, and it could put them in a strong position to have a dominant defense for the foreseeable future. A high-impact defensive player would elevate the entire unit and allow them to compete with the best teams in the league.

4. Exploring Trade Options to Add a Proven Playmaker

The Lions’ offense has looked explosive at times, but they could always use more playmaking talent to help accelerate their growth. One bold move would be for the Lions to explore trade options for a proven playmaker at wide receiver, running back, or tight end to complement their current group.

Trade Targets:

DeAndre Hopkins (Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals): Hopkins has been a top-tier wide receiver for years, and while his best years may be behind him, he can still make a massive impact. If the Lions are serious about competing for a Super Bowl, adding a proven weapon like Hopkins would give Jared Goff an elite target and make their passing game even more dangerous.
Dalvin Cook (Running Back, Minnesota Vikings): Cook has been one of the most dynamic running backs in the league for years, and if the Vikings are willing to part with him, the Lions should consider making a move. Pairing Cook with a talented offensive line and playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown would give Detroit a balanced, high-powered offense.
David Njoku (Tight End, Cleveland Browns): The Lions could also look to add a top-tier tight end to give Goff another weapon in the passing game. Njoku is a big-bodied target with a knack for making big plays, and he would be a great addition to the offense.

Adding a proven playmaker via trade would help the Lions continue to build a high-octane offense capable of competing against the NFL’s elite teams. By making this move, the Lions would be signaling their intent to be serious contenders for the foreseeable future.

Bold Moves That Could Reshape the Future

For the Detroit Lions, this offseason represents an opportunity to solidify their position as a contender in the NFC North and beyond. By pursuing one of these bold moves, they could improve their roster in a significant way and set themselves up for success in the near future. Whether it’s upgrading at quarterback, adding defensive playmakers, trading up for a game-changer in the draft, or making a splash move to add a proven playmaker to their offense, the Lions could make a statement with these bold decisions.

In an NFC North that is in flux with teams like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings going through transitions, the Lions have the potential to emerge as a dominant force. With the right moves this offseason, Detroit could be poised to take the next step and bring playoff football back to the Motor City.