The Detroit Lions have put together one of the league’s best offensive lines, a unit that serves as the foundation for the versatile running game and dangerous air attack.
Though the line is a major area of strength, one analyst suggests that the team get even stronger by adding a former first-round offensive tackle. SI.com’s Connor Orr believes the Lions could find a willing partner in the New Orleans Saints, who appear headed for a rebuild and would be eager to add draft assets.
Proposal Sends Trevor Penning for Day 3 Draft Pick
Orr suggested the Lions could land offensive tackle Trevor Penning for a 2026 fourth-round pick, giving the team a one-year rental who can add trusted depth to make up for a recent injury.
“Trevor Penning did not have his fifth-year option picked up by the Saints,” Orr noted. “The former first-round pick has guard/tackle flexibility and could help the Lions ease the burden of a banged-up Taylor Decker and continue the team’s push to replenish the lifeblood of their team.”
Orr added that Penning showed promise in his rookie season, but the Saints have struggled to put together a competent offense and his game has suffered as a result. New Orleans could ultimately be willing to part with Penning in exchange for draft picks that can fuel their expected rebuild.
“The Saints are going to push for as much draft equity as possible as they reshape a roster under Kellen Moore, who spent a first-round pick on a tackle, Kelvin Banks Jr., in this past year’s draft,” Orr wrote.
Dan Campbell Happy With Lions Roster
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that the Lions have been looking around for help in their edge-rushing group and secondary ahead of next week’s trade deadline, but it’s not clear how aggressive the team plans to be in finding help.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said this week that he doesn’t expect any moves, though general manager Brad Holmes is always on the lookout for potential help.
“I don’t (expect to be active). But that doesn’t mean we won’t,” Campbell said, via MLive.com. “I mean, he’s (Holmes) brought up a couple of things already. But I’m not — I’m so focused on the here and now and the roster we have in place, getting these guys ready to go.
“I love where we’re at. I think the roster is healthy, I think it’s in a good position, I think we have depth. But like I say, he’s always looking to improve the roster. That’s one of his jobs, and he does a hell of a job at it.”
The Lions suffered a series of injuries to their secondary, but found strong performances with reserves. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said the team’s strong depth means they don’t have to reach to make any trades.
“But I don’t see a need or necessity to go and reach for anything or anyone,” Sheppard told reporters this week. “I think that’s very disrespectful to talk about that with the guys that we have, and I feel like the respect that they’ve garnered by the work they’ve put in through seven weeks.”
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