Once again, the Detroit Lions are among the top teams in the NFC. The team entered Week 9 with a 5-2 record and is firmly positioned to return to the playoffs once again. However, that’s not to say the roster is perfect, and with the trade deadline approaching, the team could be looking to make a sizeable addition or two.
The Lions don’t have a ton of holes, but if they’re going to make a move, it’ll likely come on defense. Aidan Hutchinson is an elite pass-rusher, but the team could try to get a more reliable option across from him. The defensive line is another area that could be addressed. With that in mind, Jacob Infante of PFSN identified one deal he believes the Lions should make before the deadline.
Lions Predicted To Trade for $96 Million Defender
Infante believes the Lions should trade for Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets. The Jets are among the worst teams in the league in 2025, and it seems likely they’ll try to sell off some pieces.
Regarding Williams and the Lions, Infante elaborated on why Williams should come to Detroit.
“There are a few contending teams in need of defensive line help, but I love the Detroit Lions as a potential fit for Williams. They could use some additional investments along their defensive line, even with Al-Quadin Muhammad breaking out off the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Bringing in an All-Pro defensive tackle would make the Lions’ defensive front incredibly tough to stop as they push for a Super Bowl,” wrote Infante.
As Infante mentioned, several contending teams would likely want a difference-maker on the defensive line like Williams. However, the Lions have an elite presence off the edge in Hutchinson and true Super Bowl aspirations that Williams could greatly help.
So far in 2025, Williams has played in eight games and has collected 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and one sack. PFSN’s DT Impact ranking gives Williams an elite 82.7 grade for his 2025 performance so far.
The Jets gave Williams a massive four-year, $96 million deal in 2023. The Alabama product carries a cap hit of over $21 million in 2025 and will not be a free agent until 2028. Thus, the Lions would not only have to give up assets to acquire him, but they’d also have to be comfortable paying his sizable salary for the next couple of seasons.
If the deal was made, there’s no denying the Lions would have one of the most fearsome defensive fronts in the league. Williams would join Alim McNeill and D.J. Reader on the interior next to Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad on the outside.