The Detroit Lions enter the stretch run with one of the league’s most potent offenses, ranking second in points scored per drive, yet their defensive shortcomings have repeatedly put that production at risk.
With the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaching and the NFC North shaping up as a weekly grind, general manager Brad Holmes faces a clear opportunity to address two glaring holes without mortgaging the future.
The winless Los Angeles Chargers, already 0-6 and staring at a lost season despite Justin Herbert’s presence, offer a logical partner for a targeted upgrade that could stabilize Detroit’s defense for a playoff push.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently proposed exactly that kind of deal, sending edge rusher Khalil Mack and cornerback Donte Jackson to the Lions in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick.
Both players are in the final year of their contracts, making them natural trade candidates for a Chargers front office that can add draft capital while potentially shedding a portion of the remaining salary.
Jackson, who played at a Pro Bowl level last season after arriving from Pittsburgh, has been limited to 113 snaps this year by hamstring issues but would immediately rank as a clear upgrade over the patchwork options currently logging meaningful snaps in Detroit.
Mack, 35, returned on a one-year deal after contemplating retirement; he has already recorded three sacks and six quarterback knockdowns while generating a quick-pressure rate above the league average and remaining stout against the run.
For the Lions, the fit is straightforward. DJ Wonnum has generated five sacks while defenses focus on Aidan Hutchinson, yet the edge rotation lacks proven depth if either starter misses time.
On the back end, Detroit has leaned on a rotating cast that includes Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Rock Ya-Sin, and Roger McCreary alongside a struggling D.J. Reed.
Jackson would provide a viable outside complement capable of handling starting snaps right away.
Barnwell’s framework has the Chargers absorbing roughly half the remaining money owed—Jackson is due about $4 million and Mack roughly $5.3 million—keeping the midseason cash outlay manageable for a contender that still needs to protect its long-term cap flexibility for young core players.
The price remains modest for two experienced starters who can contribute immediately in a tight division race.
Detroit’s offense has shown it can score at an elite clip; reinforcing the defense with a veteran edge presence and a proven corner could reduce the weekly stress of having to outscore opponents by double digits.
If Holmes can structure the money favorably and keep the draft cost to Day 3 picks, the move would give the Lions a clearer path through the remaining schedule without compromising the roster-building work already underway.
