Trade proposal has Lions adding 61-sack veteran to pair with Aidan Hutchinson

The Detroit Lions hare desperately trying to contend again in 2026. The team made it to the NFC Championship Game in 2023, but has bowed out sooner than that in the two seasons since. 

In fact, the Lions didn't even make the postseason in 2025. It's clear then that the Lions want to get back in 2026, but there's a clear weakness on the roster that needs to be addressed- edge rusher. 

Ever since drafting Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions have struggled to get him adequate help. Luckily, one writer identified a realistic trade target for the Lions ahead of the 2026 season.

Lions urged to trade for edge rusher Bud Dupree 

Thomas Martinez of Chargers On SI recently suggested the Chargers send veteran edge rusher Bud Dupree to the Lions. Dupree played in 16 games for the Chargers in 2025 and collected 16 tackles and two sacks in a rotational role. 

Regarding this potential deal, Martinez offered the following: 

The Chargers will have to decide if they are keeping four or five edge rushers and which will be playing special teams. If the young edge rushers can stake a claim on special teams, Dupree could be the odd man out but could still be a valuable veteran addition to another roster.

The Lions have had a rough time dealing with injuries over the past few seasons in their edge rusher room. This off-season they have star Aidan Hutchinson and some very young players behind him. A veteran who can provide a reliable floor and presence with young players could be a perfect fit for the Lions as they begin their march back to the playoffs.

As Martinez mentioned, the Chargers have a deep crop of edge rushers, so Dupree may be the odd man out. The Lions. meanwhile, could benefit from another quality veteran in the room. 

Dupree would not cost much in a trade, so he could be a perfect option for the Lions. The veteran hasn't played at an elite level in a while, but he had six sacks as recently as 2024. Dupree has had at least six sacks in five separate seasons, with a career-high of 11.5 back in 2019. 

In Detroit, Dupree could rotate with rookie Derrick Moore and veteran D.J. Wonnum on the edge opposite Hutchinson. The Lions probably don't want to go into the season with a rookie starting at edge, so this deal would provide some insurance. 

Can Lions get more out of pass rush in 2026? 

In 2025, Hutchinson finished with 14.5 sacks. Al-Quadin Muhammad had 11 sacks in 2025, but the veteran was allowed to leave in free agency, leaving a massive hole. No Lion other than Hutchinson and Muhammad had more than five sacks in 2025. 

It's safe to say the Lions need somebody other than Hutchinson to rack up sacks. Who on the current roster seems like they could challenge for double-digit sacks? It's hard to find a candidate, unless the rookie Moore overachieves or the team makes a move. 

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