The Detroit Lions are looking to bolster their pass rush, and Jacksonville Jaguars star Josh Allen could be a potential trade target. Could Allen join Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit?
Lions Eyeing Josh Allen to Strengthen Pass Rush
The Detroit Lions made a significant move by signing Marcus Davenport in free agency. However, the team is still seeking to further strengthen its pass rush. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests a potential trade target: Jacksonville Jaguars edge rusher Josh Allen. The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Allen before free agency, giving them until mid-July to negotiate a long-term contract. If a deal isn’t reached, Allen will play under the tag in 2024, and the situation will likely repeat in the following offseason. This uncertainty opens the door for a potential trade.
Allen’s Stellar 2023 Season and Career Trajectory
Allen is coming off an impressive 2023 season, recording 66 tackles, 17.5 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles, and eight passes defended. This performance earned him his second Pro Bowl selection. The 26-year-old, a former first-round pick from the University of Kentucky, demonstrated his potential as a rookie with 44 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
A knee injury hampered his second season, limiting him to eight games. The following two seasons saw Allen produce solid but less spectacular numbers, totaling 14.5 sacks between 2021 and 2022. His resurgence in 2023 solidified his status as an elite pass rusher, making him a prime candidate for a lucrative contract extension.
Why a Trade to Detroit Makes Sense
Given the high value placed on elite pass rushers, Allen’s price tag will be substantial. If the Jaguars are unable to reach a long-term agreement, trading him becomes a viable option. The Lions, with their need for a dominant pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, should be among the teams vying for his services. Pairing Allen with Hutchinson would create a formidable defensive front, capable of disrupting opposing offenses and significantly improving the Lions’ defensive performance.
Potential Impact on the Lions and the NFC North
Acquiring Allen would significantly bolster the Lions’ defense, potentially transforming them into contenders in the highly competitive NFC North. The division, currently dominated by strong defensive teams, would face a new challenge with a Lions squad featuring a potent pass rush. The addition of Allen could elevate the Lions’ defense to a championship caliber, allowing them to compete with the likes of the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears.
Conclusion
The potential trade of Josh Allen to the Detroit Lions remains a compelling storyline in the NFL offseason. Will the Jaguars and Allen agree to an extension, or will the Lions capitalize on the opportunity to acquire a game-changing pass rusher? The coming months will be crucial in determining Allen’s future and the landscape of the NFC North.
