The Green Bay Packers don't have to worry about the Detroit Lions until Thanksgiving. But, before the return trip to the Motor City, the NFL's trade deadline is coming through, and both teams could have a few new tricks up their sleeve in the second meeting.
The Packers might stay quiet unless they can get some defensive help while using one of their young wideouts as a bargaining piece. Otherwise, the blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons ahead of the season will have to sustain the fanbase as far as trades go.
But the Lions could be more aggressive, especially in trying to find a strong running mate for Aidan Hutchinson off the edge. But there's aggressive, and then there's what ESPN's Bill Barnwell thinks the team could do.
ESPN's latest trade proposal could set up a nightmare scenario for the Packers
Barnwell laid out 13 hypothetical trade scenarios for the league ahead of the November 4 trade deadline. The Packers didn't receive a mock trade, but the Lions got two. Barwell suggested that the Lions could trade a 2026 second-round pick for Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and a 2026 fourth-round pick for Miami Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips.
Right now, the Lions might have the most top-heavy pass rush unit in the NFL. After Hutchinson, there are few consistent threats to get after the quarterback in Detroit. But Barnwell's proposal would instantly give the Lions one of the deepest pass-rush units in the league.
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In this scenario, Hendrickson would serve as a long-term veteran bookend opposite of Hutchinson, while Phillips would have the opportunity to prove he can stay healthy and productive in a rotation.
Undoubtedly, that scenario would breed a nightmare situation for the Packers' offensive front and quarterback Jordan Love. Thankfully, however, Detroit trading for two pass rushers isn't the most likely outcome at the deadline.
Still, Packers fans will want to keep an eye on the Lions when the calendar turns to November. Detroit is certainly a team that may look to make a move for Hendrickson, and there are a few other pass rushers on the trade market that they can pivot to if their bid loses out.
The Lions get solid pressure as is. They're 11th in pressure rate and fifth in sacks. But they and everyone else know they need the boost a Hendrickson-level player brings, especially when Green Bay is back in town on Thanksgiving.