Lions Blockbuster Trade Prediction Adds $100 Million Superstar to Defense
As the 2024 NFL season progresses, the Detroit Lions have emerged as one of the most exciting teams in the NFC. With a high-powered offense led by quarterback Jared Goff, a deep receiving corps, and a solid running game, the Lions have become serious contenders for the postseason. However, as the team prepares for the 2025 season, one area that has been highlighted as a potential weakness is their defense.
Despite significant improvements under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the Lions’ defense still ranks among the middle tier in the league. While there have been flashes of brilliance, such as the emergence of young talent like Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ defense continues to struggle in key moments, particularly against high-powered offenses. As Detroit’s front office looks to build a true contender, an upgrade on defense is essential if the team hopes to make a deep playoff run and compete for a Super Bowl.
In this context, there have been growing whispers that the Lions might pull off a blockbuster trade in the upcoming offseason to bolster their defense. The move? Adding a $100 million superstar to the defensive unit, a player who could take the defense to another level and provide the spark needed to make a serious playoff push.
Let’s break down the potential blockbuster trade, the superstar who could be heading to Detroit, and the impact he would have on the Lions’ defense in 2025.
The Superstar: Who Could the Lions Target?
While there are several big names in the NFL who could make a difference for the Lions, one player who has been consistently mentioned as a potential target is Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith is a true difference-maker on defense, one of the league’s most dynamic and versatile linebackers. Over the past few years, Smith has been one of the most consistent players in the NFL, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors for his performances. As of the 2024 season, Smith is a star in Chicago and is playing on a hefty contract worth over $100 million, but the possibility of a trade looms as the Bears look to recalibrate their roster for the future.
Roquan Smith: The $100 Million Superstar
At just 26 years old, Roquan Smith is in the prime of his career and is widely regarded as one of the best linebackers in the NFL. His ability to impact the game on every level has earned him the reputation of being a complete linebacker—someone who can cover, rush the passer, and make plays against the run. Smith is known for his sideline-to-sideline range, making him a perfect fit for today’s fast-paced NFL, where versatility and speed are key.
In terms of statistics, Smith has consistently posted impressive numbers throughout his career. As of the 2024 season, he has been averaging over 100 tackles per season and has also contributed several sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles. His football IQ is off the charts, and he’s capable of calling defensive plays and adjustments from the linebacker position. His leadership and on-field presence have made him the heart and soul of Chicago’s defense for years.
For the Lions, adding a player like Smith would be transformative. Detroit’s defense has struggled with consistency, especially in critical situations, and Smith could provide the leadership and elite playmaking ability needed to take it to the next level. His sideline-to-sideline speed and ability to read the game would also complement the Lions’ defensive front, giving them an inside linebacker capable of handling the toughest assignments against both the run and pass.
Why Would the Bears Consider Trading Smith?
At first glance, it may seem odd that the Chicago Bears, a team in rebuilding mode, would even consider trading away one of their top defensive players. After all, Smith is still young, talented, and has been one of the few bright spots on a Bears defense that has struggled in recent seasons. However, there are several reasons why the Bears might entertain the idea of moving Smith in the offseason.
1. Salary Cap Space
Although Smith’s current contract is one of the largest for a linebacker in the NFL, the Bears may be willing to part with him in order to create salary cap flexibility. Chicago is in the middle of a rebuild, and they could use the cap space freed up by trading Smith to sign younger, cheaper players or pursue high-profile free agents to help accelerate their rebuild. Additionally, trading a star player for draft capital could provide the Bears with the assets they need to build a strong foundation for the future.
2. Trade Value
Given Smith’s age and production, the Bears would likely receive a significant return in a trade. This could include multiple high draft picks and potentially young players to help speed up the rebuilding process. The value of a player like Smith is high, and Chicago could use this to their advantage to build a more balanced team, especially as they focus on developing their young quarterback and improving their roster across multiple positions.
3. System Fit and Future Plans
Another reason why the Bears might consider moving Smith is his fit within the defensive scheme that head coach Matt Eberflus is building. While Smith is an elite player, the Bears may decide that they need to allocate their resources differently moving forward—especially if they feel they can find a similar caliber player at a lower cost through the draft or free agency. The decision to trade Smith could be a part of a broader strategy to reshape the defense and reallocate resources in other areas.
How Roquan Smith Would Fit on the Lions’ Defense
The Lions’ defense has shown promise in recent seasons, particularly with the emergence of edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who has been a game-wrecking force on the defensive line. However, the linebacker corps has been a relative weakness, with the team struggling to find a consistent playmaker at the position. While players like Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell have played well at times, the addition of Roquan Smith would immediately elevate the entire defense and make Detroit a much more formidable unit.
1. Leadership and Impact on the Defense
The most immediate impact Smith would bring to Detroit is leadership. The Lions’ defense has lacked a true leader in recent seasons, with players like Hutchinson and Kirby Joseph showing flashes of leadership but not consistently taking control of the unit. Smith, with his experience and football IQ, would provide an anchor in the middle of the defense, helping to orchestrate plays and make adjustments on the fly. His presence would also give the Lions a vocal leader who could motivate the team during critical moments of a game, especially when facing tough competition in the NFC North.
2. Versatility in Coverage and Run Defense
Smith’s versatility as a linebacker would greatly benefit the Lions. Detroit has struggled to defend against both the run and pass, and Smith’s ability to excel in both areas would provide a significant upgrade. In coverage, Smith is one of the best in the league, capable of shadowing tight ends and running backs while also making plays on the ball. His ability to cover ground quickly would complement the Lions’ pass rush and help limit explosive plays.
Against the run, Smith is a tackling machine who can blow up running plays before they have a chance to develop. His instincts and ability to read offensive formations would allow him to fill gaps and stop runners at or behind the line of scrimmage. This would allow the Lions to better contain the run game, which has been a weakness in the past.
3. Complementing the Defensive Line
One of the key areas where Smith could elevate the Lions’ defense is in the way he complements their pass rush. Detroit has invested heavily in their defensive line, with players like Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Isaiah Buggs all contributing to a strong pass rush. However, without a consistent presence in the middle of the defense, the Lions have occasionally struggled to finish plays. Smith’s ability to disrupt passing lanes, tackle behind the line of scrimmage, and force turnovers would free up the defensive line to take more chances and apply even more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
What Would the Trade Look Like?
While a trade involving a $100 million superstar like Roquan Smith is never simple, it is realistic to expect a blockbuster trade that could shake up the NFL landscape. The Lions would likely need to part with multiple draft picks, potentially including a first-round pick and additional assets like second or third-round picks. The Bears, in turn, would likely be seeking players who can contribute immediately or draft picks that could accelerate their rebuild.
For the Lions, the risk is significant, but the reward could be a Super Bowl-caliber defense. With Smith in the fold, the Lions would have a dynamic, versatile linebacker capable of changing the game on both sides of the ball. The addition of Smith would give Detroit one of the most formidable defenses in the NFC and put them in a prime position to challenge for a championship.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Detroit
The Lions’ defense has been solid, but adding a player like Roquan Smith would elevate the team to the next level. With Smith’s leadership, versatility, and playmaking ability, the Lions would become an even more dangerous team in the NFC. While a trade of this magnitude would require a significant investment, it could be the move that propels Detroit into Super Bowl contention in 2025 and beyond. As the offseason approaches, it’s clear that the Lions are not content with simply being competitive—they want to be a championship-caliber team, and adding a $100 million superstar like Smith could make all the difference.
