A roster fix for the Detroit Lions may not come through free agency or the draft. Instead, one analyst has suggested a rare three-team trade that could benefit Detroit's defensive concerns before the 2026 season begins.

Mike Payton, reporter of the A to Z Sports, suggested a trade proposal involving Eric Gregory (DT) of the Patriots in exchange for Cesar Ruiz (OL), and the Saints get Avonte Maddox (S). This could work since Detroit needs a defensive tackle to make its depth chart stronger.

“The Lions need some interior defensive line help, but they don’t need a big-time starter," wrote Mike Payton, reporter of A to Z Sports. "They need a rotational guy who can come in and play some nose tackle. Gregory can do that and do it well."

The A to Z Sports report noted that Detroit's need is more about depth than finding another full-time starter. Detroit's defensive line has been one of the team's strengths under HC Dan Campbell, and injuries to Terrion Arnold and DJ Reed revealed the need for additional depth.

Adding an experienced veteran like Gregory, capable of handling nose tackle duties, can help handle the workload of the team's primary contributors.

For the Patriots, they are entering the season with starter Alija Vera-Tucker, who hasn't played since 2024. This deal will give them Ruiz as a starter or a backup plan in 2026. They can be safe if they take this move without any sacrifices.

The Saints get to move on from Ruiz and boost their secondary by adding Maddox, who can play both safety and cornerback. That being said, the Lions will move on from him only if they get both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph back earlier than expected.

This can be a win-win for all three franchises if they take the move as suggested by Mike Payton, given their needs and demands. Additionally, Detroit also recently signed UFL players, stunning fans.

Former UFL standouts face steep climb for final Lions roster spots

After adding Lucky Jackson, Tarik Black, Tay Martin, and Lawrence Keys III, Detroit has created additional competition behind its star receivers, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Greg Dortch, and Dominic Lovett, as per Sports Illustrated's Emmett Matasovsky.

After Kendrick Law's season-ending ACL injury, the Lions looked for alternative options. Early roster projections place most UFL newcomers outside the final 53-man roster, highlighting the depth at receiver.

Keys may have the strongest chance due to his return-game ability, while Martin brings size and production after a standout UFL season. Training camp will decide their future in the NFL.

What are your views on the three-team trade? Let us know in the comments!

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote