NFL Insider Names Clowney, Haason Reddick as Lions Trade Targets After Aidan's Injury

The Detroit Lions could be targeting several players on the trade market as the team attempts to replace the production of star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

Mike Sando of The Athletic listed the Carolina Panthers' Jadeveon Clowney, Cleveland Browns pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith and Haason Reddick of the New York Jets as potential options for Detroit.

Hutchinson was carted off the field during the Lions' 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday with a broken tibia.

Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters after the game that the Pro Bowl pass-rusher would be "down for a while."

One NFL executive believes that a trade is necessary for a Lions team that entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations.

"They are playing at such a high level right now," the executive said, per Sando. "Sometimes there is just a moment where you have to overpay. Are you going to the Super Bowl or not? Are you going to try?"

After coming off an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, Detroit sits at 4-1 through five games. A former general manager wasn't optimistic about the Lions' ability to get a deal done, though.

"You can work the phones between now and the trade deadline, but that's going to be an uphill battle," he said, via Sando.

Clowney and Smith may be available, as they're both capable pass-rushers on teams with a combined 2-10 record. Clowney has just one sack in five games with the Panthers, but he wrapped up a 9.5-sack season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.

Smith has taken down opposing quarterbacks three times in six games with the Browns this season.

Reddick also appears to be a potential option, as he's surpassed double-digit sack totals in each of the past four years. However, the Lions need to be willing to pay up if they acquire him. He hasn't appeared in a game during the Jets' 2024 campaign while holding out for a new contract.

Detroit owns the league's eight-best scoring defense, but the team could falter without Hutchinson, as his 7.5 sacks ranked No. 1 among all players this season.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes may start working the phones as the Nov. 5 trade deadline approaches.