### Lions Eye EDGE Trade Candidates Following Hutchinson Injury

The Detroit Lions, celebrating a decisive 47-9 Victory Monday against the Dallas Cowboys, find themselves grappling with mixed feelings. Despite their commanding performance, the loss of star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson for the season has cast a shadow over their triumph. With a top-four record in the NFL and only one loss so far, the Lions are now contemplating the trade market to maintain their competitive edge.

The team's struggle is underscored by the fact that they've lost all three of their starting edge rushers—Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Derrick Barnes—in just one month. This puts additional pressure on general manager Brad Holmes, who must consider factors such as talent, position, contract, acquisition cost, and age when seeking replacements.

An intriguing albeit costly option for the Lions is Maxx Crosby of the Raiders. At 27, Crosby could potentially replace Hutchinson one-for-one but acquiring him would likely require at least two first-round picks and absorbing a substantial salary commitment. While his return to Michigan and previous comments about playing for the Lions are appealing, the financial trade-off might make Holmes think twice.

Another candidate is Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals, known for his perfect stylistic fit and past connections with the coaching staff from New Orleans. With the Bengals beginning to win, his acquisition cost is expected to rise. Haason Reddick of the Jets also presents a high-profile option, though doubts about his age, contract demands, and current fitness levels could complicate the deal.

More realistic and flexible options for the Lions include Za'Darius Smith from the Browns and Harold Landry from the Titans. Smith, at 32, offers experience and a plug-and-play capability in the Lions' scheme at a lower cost, though any trade would require the Lions to get creative with salary cap management. Landry, at 28, presents a longer-term investment but would require Holmes to balance future financial commitments.

Other potential candidates under consideration include Jadeveon Clowney, Travon Walker, Azeez Ojulari, Jamin Davis, and Josh Uche. These players each present unique advantages and challenges, from Clowney's current injury status to Davis's fit in the SAM linebacker role.

As the Lions aim to fill the defensive void left by Hutchinson, the trade decisions made by Holmes will be crucial in ensuring the team stays competitive in the grueling NFL season ahead.