Aaron Donald Headed to Detroit in Potential Trade between Lions and Rams

The Detroit Lions have been making significant moves to improve their roster during the offseason, aiming to build on their 9-8 record from last season and compete for a playoff spot in the NFC. One area that needed attention was their defense, and the Lions have made notable upgrades in their secondary with the additions of cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley, as well as safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

With the secondary addressed, the Lions are now looking to bolster their front seven, specifically the pass rush. The emergence of 2022 first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston as pass rushers in the second half of last season has been promising, and the Lions have an opportunity to add more talent in the 2023 NFL Draft with their No. 6 and No. 18 overall picks in the first round.

Lions could make a bold move

However, there is speculation that the Lions could make a bold move and pursue a trade for Aaron Donald, who is widely considered one of the best defenders in the NFL, currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have been in a rebuilding phase, parting ways with several veterans to manage their salary cap and acquire draft capital. Donald’s future with the Rams has been uncertain, especially after considering retirement during the offseason, and he may no longer fit their timeline.

Acquiring Donald would be a significant boost for the Lions’ defense, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Levi Onwuzurike’s future. One suggested trade package proposed by ESPN involves the Lions sending their No. 18 and No. 25 overall picks in the 2023 NFL Draft as part of the deal for Donald. While the price may seem steep, the Lions would still have seven picks in this year’s draft, including one in each of the first two rounds, and adding a talent like Donald to their front seven would transform their defense and make them a more formidable team in 2023, building on the other moves they have made during the offseason.