To win the Super Bowl, do the Lions need to make one more big trade with the Rams?

Winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate goal for any NFL team, but achieving that goal is a complex, multifaceted endeavor that involves a combination of good management, effective strategy, player performance, and a bit of luck. For the Detroit Lions, a team that has historically struggled in the postseason and has never won a Super Bowl, the road to the championship is especially challenging. The question of whether the Lions need to make one more big trade with the Los Angeles Rams to win the Super Bowl is interesting but requires a deeper dive into several facets of the team, its roster, its management, and the NFL landscape.

In this analysis, we’ll break down the situation from a few different angles, including the team’s current roster, the potential trade with the Rams, the specific needs of the Lions, and the broader dynamics of the NFL. By doing so, we’ll paint a clearer picture of whether such a trade would help the Lions win a Super Bowl and if so, what exactly they would need to make that happen.

1. The Detroit Lions’ Current State

As of 2025, the Detroit Lions have shown significant improvements in recent years, with a relatively young and talented roster. Under head coach Dan Campbell, the team has developed a gritty, blue-collar identity, showing resilience and tenacity on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jared Goff, formerly of the Rams, has proven to be a stable leader for the Lions, and they’ve made strides in the draft, bolstering their roster with key players.

The Lions have several strengths that could make them competitive in the NFC, including:

Jared Goff at Quarterback: Despite his trade from the Rams, Goff has settled in nicely in Detroit, providing consistency at the quarterback position. His experience in the Super Bowl with the Rams in 2019 is invaluable.
Young Talent: Players like Aidan Hutchinson (defensive end), Jameson Williams (wide receiver), and others represent the future of the franchise, adding a lot of upside.
Offensive Line: The Lions boast one of the more solid offensive lines in the NFL, which gives Goff the time he needs to execute the offense.

However, the Lions still have weaknesses that would need to be addressed in order to compete for a Super Bowl:

Defense: While the Lions’ defense has improved, they still have weaknesses, especially in the secondary and at linebacker. The pass rush, while solid with Hutchinson, could use more depth.
Consistency and Depth: The team’s success often hinges on maintaining health and depth, particularly with their star players.

Given that the Lions have an above-average team with a lot of potential, the addition of one or two more key pieces could make a significant difference. But where would these pieces come from? That brings us to the potential of a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.

2. The Los Angeles Rams’ Current State

The Los Angeles Rams, after their Super Bowl victory in 2021, have been navigating a period of transition. They’ve faced some challenges in maintaining the roster depth that led them to that championship, with several key players either aging, departing, or dealing with injuries. However, the Rams still possess several valuable assets that could be intriguing to a team like the Lions.

Matthew Stafford: The Rams’ Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Stafford has been dealing with injuries in recent years, but he still has value, particularly with his experience in big games. If Stafford were to be traded, he could offer a solid backup plan for the Lions, or even a starting quarterback if Goff were to falter.
Aaron Donald: Arguably one of the best defensive players of his generation, Donald’s dominance on the defensive line makes him an asset that many teams covet. His addition to the Lions could elevate their defense to an elite level.
Cooper Kupp: A top-tier wide receiver who has had injury troubles in recent years, Kupp would provide a significant upgrade to the Lions’ receiving corps. His chemistry with Stafford during the Rams’ Super Bowl run would make him a great fit in Detroit.
Jalen Ramsey: While the Rams have already traded Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins, they still have other defensive backs and pieces that could be of interest to teams like the Lions, particularly with their defensive backfield being a relative weakness.

Given these assets, it’s clear that the Rams have pieces that could help a team like the Lions. But would a trade with them specifically make sense for Detroit’s Super Bowl aspirations?

3. The Lions’ Needs

To evaluate whether a trade with the Rams would make sense for the Lions, we need to look at what the team actually needs in order to make a run for the Super Bowl.

Defensive Improvement: The Lions have made some strides on defense, but they still rank below average in several key defensive metrics. Adding a top-tier defender like Aaron Donald, if he were available, would give the Lions the type of elite presence on the defensive line that could alter the course of a game.
Wide Receiver Help: While Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the top receivers in the league, adding another playmaker to the receiving corps would give the Lions a more balanced offense. A player like Cooper Kupp could take pressure off St. Brown and provide an experienced target for Goff.
Secondary Reinforcements: The Lions’ secondary has struggled at times, particularly against high-powered offenses. A proven cornerback or safety would give them the depth they need to compete against the NFC’s top quarterbacks, such as Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, or even Matthew Stafford.
Depth and Leadership: The Lions still need more depth in key positions, including running back and linebacker. In addition, a leader with postseason experience could elevate the team’s mentality.

Given these needs, it’s easy to see why a trade with the Rams could be appealing. But the question remains: which players from the Rams could address these gaps, and would they be willing to part with them?

4. Potential Trade Scenarios

Let’s explore a few potential trade scenarios between the Lions and the Rams that could help Detroit’s Super Bowl aspirations.

Scenario 1: Aaron Donald for Defensive Dominance

One of the most straightforward trade possibilities would involve the Lions acquiring Aaron Donald. The Rams may be willing to trade him if they’re looking to rebuild or shift their focus to younger talent. For the Lions, Donald would immediately elevate their defensive line and provide a presence that could disrupt opposing quarterbacks and offenses.

Why this trade would work:

The Lions need an elite defensive player to contend with teams like the San Francisco 49ers, who have dominant defensive lines themselves. Donald would not only provide a pass rush but also bolster the overall defensive scheme.
Detroit’s defense has made strides, but they still need a game-changer like Donald to help take them to the next level.

What the Lions would need to give up:

The Rams would likely ask for a significant return, potentially involving a first-round draft pick or a combination of picks and players. The Lions may have to part with some young talent or future assets to land a player of Donald’s caliber.

Scenario 2: Cooper Kupp for Offensive Firepower

If the Rams are looking to offload Kupp due to injury concerns or salary cap issues, the Lions could be interested in adding the former Super Bowl MVP to their roster. Kupp would give Goff an immediate and experienced playmaker, someone who has proven his ability to perform in clutch moments.

Why this trade would work:

The Lions have a solid offense, but adding a player like Kupp would take them from good to potentially great. Kupp’s ability to make plays on third down and in the red zone could help the Lions’ offense become more dynamic and difficult to defend.
Kupp’s connection with Goff from their time together in Los Angeles would likely translate well in Detroit.

What the Lions would need to give up:

The Lions would likely need to part with a solid asset, perhaps a wide receiver or multiple draft picks. Kupp is a proven commodity, so the price would be high.

Scenario 3: Jalen Ramsey for Secondary Reinforcement

Although Ramsey has already been traded to the Dolphins, the Rams still have valuable secondary pieces that could be of interest to the Lions. A trade for a cornerback or safety could provide the Lions with much-needed depth in the secondary.

Why this trade would work:

With the Lions’ secondary being a relative weak spot, adding a veteran defensive back with playoff experience would greatly improve the defense. This move would allow the Lions to better compete against teams with potent passing attacks.

What the Lions would need to give up:

A trade for a defensive back would likely involve draft picks or possibly a player on the roster. If the Rams were looking to offload salary or rebuild, the price could be manageable.

5. The Bigger Picture: Do the Lions Need the Rams to Win?

The idea of the Lions needing to make a trade with the Rams to win the Super Bowl is interesting, but it doesn’t fully capture the complexity of the NFL. While a trade with the Rams could address some immediate needs, the Lions’ road to the Super Bowl isn’t solely reliant on one team’s players. It’s about building a balanced roster, developing chemistry, and maintaining health throughout the season.

Moreover, while the Rams have valuable assets, other teams in the NFL also have players who could help the Lions achieve their goals. For example, the Lions could look to other teams with playoff-caliber players who are in rebuilding phases, such as the Chicago Bears or Washington Commanders. In the end, the Lions’ success will depend on a combination of strategic moves, good draft decisions, and a consistent coaching approach from Dan Campbell and his staff.

In conclusion, while a trade with the Los Angeles Rams could certainly improve certain aspects of the Detroit Lions’ roster, particularly in terms of defense and offensive playmaking, the idea that the Lions “need” to make a trade with the Rams to win the Super Bowl oversimplifies the complexity of the team’s Super Bowl aspirations. The Lions have the potential to contend with or without such a trade, but making the right moves—whether with the Rams or another team—could give them the extra edge they need to break their long Super Bowl drought. Ultimately, it will be a combination of good team-building, strong player performances, and perhaps a little bit of luck that will determine whether the Lions can reach the pinnacle of NFL success.