Zack Baun and 2 Linebackers The Lions Should Monitor Ahead of Trade Deadline
Detroit’s biggest remaining need may be linebacker, not cornerback.
Jack Campbell, captain of defense, has had rough start — blown coverages and broken run contain. Derrick Barnes started strong vs Saints with sack + INT but silent since. Malcolm Rodriguez losing snaps to Trevor Nowaske who has done good job with greater role.
If Lions want to go big, one name worth monitoring — or two others that cost far less:
1. Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles
Huge get for Detroit. Under contract through 2027, two-year rental with void option 2028 — ideal with Branch and LaPorta extensions coming. Cap hit $11.8M in 2027, workable if franchise tag LaPorta. Considered one of best coverage LBs in NFL — 5 pass breakups this year, which is 5 more than Campbell and Rodriguez, 4 more than Nowaske, 3 more than Barnes. Two years ago posted 15 stuffs for Eagles, adding punch to run defense missing in Detroit. Would likely cost Day 2 pick for 29-year-old LB but immediately elevates area of need. 73.1 coverage grade, no TDs allowed per PFF, Eagles should sell at 2-5.
2. Mack Wilson Jr., Arizona Cardinals
Likely cheaper — Day 3 pick. Cardinals primed for sell-off but not like Colts. Wilson has some promise as depth piece, but run defense and coverage leave lot to be desired. Reclamation project for Brad Holmes. One-year rental, attractive with possible cap crunch. Worth it when you already have Nowaske? Probably not.
3. Cody Barton, Tennessee Titans
More average — 56.6 run defense grade PFF, 63.6 coverage grade 31st of 75 LBs. Titans already shipped Jeffrey Simmons to Bears, likely open to more offers. Titans appreciate Barton for off-field leadership, maturity, excellent communicator ensuring defense aligned correctly per Titan Sized Justin Melo. Cap hit only $8.7M in 2027 per Spotrac, far easier than Baun. Lions could entice Titans with Day 2 pick or 4th rounder. Could use character next to Campbell and Barnes.
Deadline: Nov 10 4pm ET, after Vikings and Dolphins games.
Mabel Joshua is the founder and lead editor of CelebrityTale.com with 4+ years covering celebrity news, entertainment trends and pop culture. She curates breaking stories with verified sources, focusing on real-time updates from Hollywood, music and lifestyle. When not reporting, she tracks emerging talents and viral moments across social platforms.
