The NFL trade deadline is breathing down our necks, just under two weeks away on November 10, and it’s already been a wild ride with some big names moving. Now, ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen have dropped a bombshell, listing their top 25 trade candidates, and get this: the Detroit Lions are being pegged as the “best fit” for *four* of those players. Yeah, you heard that right, four potential game-changers heading to Motor City.
Eagles CB Riq Woolen Could Be Headed To The Den
First up, Eagles CB Riq Woolen. Honestly, it’s not a shocker to see the Lions linked with a cornerback. They’ve had their struggles in the secondary this year, even if they’ve found some success with rotation lately. Woolen’s current squad, the Philadelphia Eagles, are sitting at a brutal 2-5, and with starting QB Jalen Hurts out for the rest of the season, they’re definitely looking like sellers. ESPN gives Woolen a 35% chance of being traded, and his contract is super manageable for any team, just a prorated amount of his $6 million base salary.
Now, remember his best Seahawks days? Yeah, his play hasn’t quite hit that level this season, unfortunately. PFF credits him with giving up 20 catches on 36 targets for 282 yards and four touchdowns. But don’t sleep on him; he’s still a play-maker, racking up six passes defended and a forced fumble. And the guy’s built like a tank at 6-foot-4, bringing serious height and length to the outside corner spot. Matt Bowen points out that “Woolen has the length and long speed at 6-foot-4 to help a defense majoring in man coverage and two-deep zone.” He also noted that while his “tackling and eye discipline could improve,” Woolen is definitely “a disruptor on the perimeter.”
Winless Chargers Could Send Donte Jackson To Detroit
Next on the list for Detroit is Chargers CB Donte Jackson. This one makes a ton of sense when you look at the Chargers’ season. They’re the only winless team left in the league, and with a gauntlet schedule ahead that includes the Rams, Ravens, Patriots, 49ers, Chiefs, and Broncos, their season is, let’s just say, “already toast.” Jackson’s going to be 31 next month, but he’s had a legit NFL career, starting 109 games over nine years, pulling in 23 interceptions, and defending 68 passes. Plus, he was a captain for several years with the Panthers, so he’s bringing high character to any locker room. Financially, it’s the same sweet deal as Woolen, just a prorated chunk of his $6 million salary. Bowen sees Jackson as a perfect zone corner, praising his “backfield vision and short-area closing speed” and calling him “a top-down defender with route awareness who can create on-the-ball production.”
Bengals Edge Shemar Stewart: A High-Upside Puzzle Piece?
Finally, the Lions are also listed as a great fit for Bengals EDGE Shemar Stewart. Now, the Bengals are far from sellers at 4-2, but Stewart, their 17th overall pick from just last year, has barely seen the field, playing in a paltry 17 snaps this season. This is where the Lions could swoop in, picking up a high-upside talent who’s just not getting opportunities where he is right now.
With the trade deadline approaching faster than a Jaxon Smith-Njigba slant route, the Lions are clearly in a prime position to make some moves. Keep your eyes peeled on November 10, because if even one or two of these guys land in Detroit, it could seriously shake things up for the rest of the season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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