The Detroit Lions enter their Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals looking to rebound from a difficult loss to the Carolina Panthers, but the real story may extend beyond Sunday’s result.

Detroit’s defense has ranked among the league’s least effective units through the early portion of the season, leaving the front office expected to scan the trade market for meaningful upgrades.

One name generating particular interest is Cardinals defensive end Josh Sweat, a veteran edge rusher who has drawn attention as a potential acquisition for a contending team.

Owen Crisafulli of Heavy.com recently outlined a straightforward trade proposal that would send Sweat to the Lions in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick.

The pitch arrives as Arizona sits at 1-3 and appears open to dealing assets, including wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is widely expected to move after this weekend’s games.

Sweat, a Pro Bowl selection during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, posted a career-high 12 sacks in his first season with the Cardinals despite playing on one of the league’s weakest teams.

For Detroit, pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson would address the most glaring gap on the defensive line, where Hutchinson has been the only consistent source of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Sweat — who has totaled 56 sacks throughout his nine-year NFL career — remains under contract through the 2028 season on a deal that is considered team-friendly, which adds to his appeal for a buyer.

While surrendering a third-round selection represents a notable cost, competition from other clubs seeking defensive line help could push the price into that range.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, would likely view the return favorably, gaining both a premium draft pick and salary-cap relief for a player who has shown limited long-term commitment to the organization.

Whether Detroit ultimately pursues the move depends on how the coaching staff and front office assess the current roster’s ceiling.

If the Lions believe they remain positioned for a serious postseason run, adding a proven pass rusher like Sweat could provide the immediate reinforcement the defense has lacked.

A victory over Arizona on Sunday would only intensify those discussions, as both teams evaluate their options ahead of the trade deadline.

For now, the proposal serves as a concrete illustration of how Detroit might address its defensive shortcomings without waiting for the draft or free agency.