During his press conference at the NFL Combine, Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes seemed to rule out the idea the team would be making trading for a star edge rusher this offseason.
The team has some big contract extensions they need to work on for a couple of their young stars and that could make it difficult to make the money work for a big move even with a solid cap situation for this offseason.
Despite the road blocks to a big move and the team's seeming resistance to one, a new hypothetical trade has been pitched that would land the Lions a five-time Pro Bowler.
In an article pitching potential trade packages for defensive stars around the NFL, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport proposed the idea of the Lions trading their fourth-round pick for Los Angeles Chargers edge Joey Bosa.
Bosa has had a disappointing last few seasons. He played just five games in 2022 and only accounted for 2.5 sacks and 10 total tackles.
Things got a bit better in 2023 as Bosa was able to play in nine games and make 6.5 sacks.
This past season he played in 14 of the Chargers' games, but only contributed five sacks, which was fifth best on the team.
It has been a while since Bosa has been one of the NFL's best pass rushers.
That's why he would only cost a fourth-round pick in this hypothetical scenario and it's also why the Lions shouldn't take the chance on him.
With just a one-year deal he doesn't carry a ton of monetary risk for them, especially when their concern is about being able to extend the talent they already have.
However, there are cheaper options available in free agency who have produced more recently and don't have Bosa's injury history.
The name value here might sound like a nice consolation prize to some of the stars fans are hoping the Lions will land, but Bosa just comes with too many concerns and not enough of a financial discount.
The Lions shouldn't be looking at him as a potential trade target.
