Lions are 3-1 and obviously flying high with confidence. They’re humming in all three phases of the game and haven’t shown many obvious holes where they need improvements. With a favorable schedule taking us to the trade deadline on Oct 31, there’s a realistic chance the Lions are 6-2 or even 7-1 by that point. Of course, there are no easy games in the NFL and none of these matchups can be overlooked. But if we were to assume the Lions have 6/7 wins at this point, who makes sense for Brad to go after to bolster the roster for a second-half push?

To name a few, I’m interested in:

Pat Surtain II: The Broncos’ defense has been historically bad, but this can’t be pinned on Surtain who has been otherwise elite in past years. His dad obviously isn’t happy about his situation on the Broncos having tweeted about it and it would be hard to blame Pat Surtain II himself if we were frustrated and wanted out. You would imagine this trade would cost at least 2 first-round picks and then some, but to have an elite 23-year-old option opposite of Cam Sutton might be absolutely worth a high price tag. It might be hard to imagine the Broncos trading away their best defensive player on an already horrendous defense, but they may be forced to with their lack of draft capital.

Derrick Brown: Admittedly, I wanted Brown back in the 2020 draft when we took Okudah. Since being drafted Brown has become an elite run-stopper and tackle machine posting an 84.4 PFF grade to end 2022. It was reported that the Bears were interested in acquiring him last off-season but the Panther’s front office told them he was off limits. However, with his contract coming to a close after 2024 and the losses continuing to pile up for the Panthers, it could be worth a phone call and the potential huge asking price.

Maxx Crosby: Obtaining another elite edge rusher is an interesting thought. It’s both one of our deepest position groups but also one of our most snake-bit with injuries. Yes, the Lions are getting Julian Okwara back but Crosby is a different breed of player and might be sitting there ripe for the picking after our Monday night game if the Raiders continue to skid. He would be an instant difference-maker and give us one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the league with him and Hutch. He’s under contract through 2026 and carries a cap hit of $12.9 million before climbing for the remaining years.

Would love to hear your thoughts on these players and any other ones you’d like the Lions to bring in to hopefully end the year with fireworks.