Detroit has consistently shown a willingness to target proven veterans when opportunities align with Detroit’s championship window. So, the Lions could be interested in acquiring an experienced Super Bowl-winning player to amp up their offense.

After a disappointing season where they missed the playoffs, Detroit is now looking to add wide receiver depth. And NFL writer Thomas Carelli believes that the Lions would be an ideal landing spot for A.J. Brown.

Carelli proposed a trade that would send Brown to the Lions in exchange for the Eagles getting a 2027 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

“The Lions ultimately would have the best offense in the NFL, on paper,” Carelli stated.

He further suggested that, “St. Brown will remain as a mid-range WR1, while Brown would be more of a high-end WR2, and Williams becomes a Flex play with WR2 upside.”

Carelli pointed out how the Lions' 2025 season fell flat despite them being Super Bowl favorites. It was clear to him that it was offensive depth that the team was lacking.

He further added, “In tandem with improving their offensive line through the NFL Draft, the Lions will be the highest-rated offense with a new duo sharing the same last name.”

A.J. Brown is a 3-time-Pro Bowler and has been named Second-Team All-Pro 3 times. With career numbers of 8,029 receiving yards on 524 receptions and 56 total receiving touchdowns, he is without doubt an amazing player.

But how plausible is this trade?

Could Brad Holmes Actually Pull Off This Move?

The Detroit Lions' General Manager, Brad Holmes, has always been aggressive when identifying foundational talent. He prefers to go after players who could elevate Detroit into legitimate championship contenders.

However, trading for A.J. Brown comes with a lot of risks.

Brown's $23 million cap hit means the team would not be able to sign contract extensions with Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, and most importantly, Jahmyr Gibbs.

Moreover, reports suggest that Brown could be joining the Patriots, now that the franchise has released Stefon Diggs. According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, “An A.J. Brown trade is as little as nine days away. Most believe Brown will be traded to the Patriots.”

Carelli's suggestion could definitely make the Lions the best offense in the league. However, considering all the downsides that come with it, this trade may not be the best option for Detroit right now.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit