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By Michael Gallagher
Sports Content Coordinator
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No team in the NFL has more sacks than the Detroit Lions (20) through the first five games of the season.
But just because they’re at the top of the league right now, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t look to upgrade the positions should an opportunity present itself.
Aidan Hutchinson (32 pressures, 21 hurries, six QB hits, four sacks, four tackles for loss) and DJ Wonnum (11 pressures, four hurries, two QB hits, five sacks, five tackles for loss) have been lights out this season, but ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes Detroit should add a third star to the mix.
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Barnwell recently proposed the Lions trade fourth- and sixth-round picks in the 2027 draft to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for edge-rusher Khalil Mack and cornerback Donte Jackson.
The move would kill two birds with one stone as the Lions would have an excellent third pass-rushing option to rotate in with Hutchinson and Wonnum, and it would add a capable cornerback to a secondary that’s been hit hard with injuries and the release of Terrion Arnold.
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“At 35 years old, (Mack) is still a valuable edge defender for the Chargers,” Barnwell wrote. “He has three sacks and six quarterback knockdowns through six games, and Mack's 5.0% quick pressure rate is still well above the league average of 3.9%. Mack has always been solid against the run, and he can step into any defense and be a viable, above-average edge-rusher for the remainder of the season if he can stay healthy.
“… DJ Wonnum has a team-high five sacks as he takes advantage of defenses double-teaming Aidan Hutchinson, but Detroit could certainly use another edge rusher to take some of the workload off its two starters and provide some help if Hutchinson or Wonnum goes down.”
Mack is one of the hottest names on the trade block. The nine-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year has been linked to several teams including the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers, among others, so the Lions likely have some stiff competition if they are eyeing Mack.
But the price may be worth paying for Detroit to head into the postseason with a 1-2-3 punch of Hutchinson, Mack and Wonnum pressuring the passer come playoff time.
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