The Detroit Lions' top defensive trade deadline targets

Tuesday marks the NFL's annual trade deadline, making it the last day the Detroit Lions can seek outside help through the trade market for the remainder of the 2024 season.

The Lions believe their biggest need is at the edge rusher position, as they have already lost two players at the position to season-ending injuries. As a result, the Lions could use an upgrade.

Here are 10 defensive players the Lions could trade at the trade deadline.

EN Maxx Crosby

Crosby is the Lions fan base's favorite trade target, and the connections are obvious. He played at Eastern Michigan, so there is a local tie. He is also one of the best in the league at this position and would therefore be an excellent addition.

However, it seems unlikely that the Raiders would be willing to trade him in his current form. Detroit's last hope in this race could be a loss in Las Vegas to Cincinnati this weekend, which could make them sellers. Still, the costs wouldn't be low and demand for a Crosby acquisition would be high.

DE Za'Darius Smith

Smith has been a player linked to the Lions and reportedly the current asking price is an early pick on the third day of the draft. This could be a viable move for Detroit that would require a capable rusher with an additional year of team control.

The 32-year-old has been very productive for the Cleveland Browns this season. He has plenty of experience in the NFC North, playing for the Packers and Vikings. He has previously stated that he would welcome a move to Detroit to compete against his former teams.

OLB Azeez Ojulari

In an ESPN report this week, Ojulari was named alongside Smith as a potential target for the Lions. He's built more in the mold of an outside linebacker than a traditional edge rusher, but still brings the skillset the Lions covet right now.

Ojulari is a young option who would come as a loan player in the final year of his rookie contract. He could bolster Detroit's defense with quickness from the edge and would serve as the team's SAM linebacker thanks to his skill set.

DE Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney is an intriguing veteran with plenty of pedigree. The first overall pick in 2014, he still has many of the same talents that made him so desirable as a young player. A three-time Pro Bowl player, he has changed a lot in recent years before moving to Carolina this season.

Although he only has one sack this season, a review of his tape suggests he can still get over the boundary and hit the quarterback. With the Panthers struggling, a move to a contending team could also serve as an invigorating factor.

CB Jack Jones

Jones was mentioned as a potential trade target by Sports Illustrated, in which writer Gilberto Manzano suggested the Lions send a fourth-round pick to the Raiders in exchange for the cornerback.

The Lions' cornerback room was revamped this past offseason with the additions of Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw and Amik Robertson. With so many new arrivals, the unit as a whole has steadily improved. The addition of Jones would give the Lions even more depth in the secondary.

DE Trey Hendrickson

Like Crosby, Hendrickson is a top-notch edge rusher, but that comes at a price. However, his situation could also be affected by the outcome of the Raiders-Bengals game on Sunday. Hendrickson had previously requested a trade in the offseason, and the Bengals' struggles this season may not have helped matters.

Hendrickson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2017, so there is some familiarity with Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn. He would be a good fit and have another year of control over the team, so the potential pairing of him and Aidan Hutchinson next season would be exciting.

DE/OLB Emmanuel Ogbah

Another veteran option is Ogbah, who spent the last five years with Miami. He has two sacks this year, but would provide a solid veteran presence with some ability to torment opposing passers with pressure as well.

Ogbah is another player who could be acquired with a late selection, which would allow Holmes to avoid parting with significant and important draft capital.

DT/DE Calais Campbell

Campbell is nearing the end of his career at age 38 and could be looking to clinch a playoff spot. The Dolphins have had ups and downs this season, and with their playoff fate uncertain, he could be looking for a new opportunity.

While Campbell doesn't have game-changing skills at this point in his career, he would be a reliable veteran with positional versatility and could also help out in central defense for a team that has struggled with injuries in recent weeks.

OLB Arden Key

Key performed well against the Lions in an otherwise difficult game for Tennessee. With two sacks, he made the case for a reunion with former Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams in Detroit.

The veteran is another productive option with pass-rushing ability. In addition to his normal linebacker duties, he also has the versatility to excel as a defensive end.

EN Chase Young

Rounding out the list is Young, who was a popular trade option a season ago as the Lions were believed to be in the market for a vice president to replace Hutchinson. Young is once again an interesting option for his upside.

The Ohio State product was the second overall pick coming out of college in 2020 and has elite talent, but injuries have been a factor in his career. Young has top-flight potential and a deal for him could prove to be a bargain.