BREAKING: LIONS SAFETY BRIAN BRANCH FACING NFL DISCIPLINE AFTER POSTGAME BRAWL WITH JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER
The Detroit Lions suffered a humbling loss on Sunday Night Football. Detroit's defense could not stop Kansas City during a 30-17 beatdown at Arrowhead. Frustration boiled over into violence for one Lions defender, who is now awaiting punishment from the NFL.
Lions safety Brian Branch hit Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on the field after Sunday's game. Their one interaction sparked a brawl between multiple members of both teams.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted on Monday that the NFL is reviewing Branch's actions following Sunday Night Football. Rapoport added that Branch has “likely a fine or worse” awaiting him.
Meanwhile, ESPN's Adam Schefter said that, in the words of an NFL official, “determinations on discipline made from there.”
Lions fans should expect Branch to at least receive a hefty fine from the league for Sunday's skirmish. It is also possible that the NFL will issue a suspension for Branch, likely only one game based on past precedent. But there is no way to be sure until the league makes its announcement in the coming days.
Now the Lions simply have to sit back and wait for whatever punishment the NFL hands out to Branch.
Lions' Dan Campbell, Brian Branch respond following brawl
Branch issued an apology for hitting Smith-Schuster in the locker room after the game.
“I should’ve never did it,” Branch said, per The Athletic's Colton Pouncy. Branch also explained that Smith-Schuster blocked him in the back on one play late in the game. He was understandably frustrated when a penalty was not called on the play.
Regardless of the motivations, Branch's actions were not the right choice. Lions head coach Dan Campbell made it clear that Branch's actions are not accepted in Detroit.
“I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable, and it's not going to be accepted here,” Campbell said. “It's not what we do. It's not what we're about. I apologize to coach Reid and the Chiefs and Schuster. That's not okay. That's not what we do here, and it's not going to be okay. He knows that. Our team knows it.”
The Lions will want to forget about Week 6 as soon as possible, for more reasons than one. Thankfully, they'll have little time to wallow before getting ready for next week.
Next up for Detroit is a home game against Tampa Bay in Week 7.
Eagles Trade Proposal Adds 26-Year-Old Elite Edge From Struggling AFC Squad
The Philadelphia Eagles don’t have a pass-rush problem per se, but Vic Fangio’s defensive front has lost some of its bite, with injuries hitting the rotation hard.
Through five games, Philly’s defense has amassed just seven sacks, which is tied for the third-lowest total in the league. Now coming off their first loss of the season, the Eagles have just over three weeks to explore the trade market before the deadline hits on November 4.
Considering how things are going in New York with the 0-5 Jets right now, it wouldn’t hurt Eagles GM Howie Roseman to give them a call about a trade for Will McDonald. The second-year edge rusher wouldn’t be cheap, but he’d be an absolute game-changer for an Eagles defense who could really use a boost from its DEs.
McDonald, the Jets’ 2023 first-rounder, has traits for days: He’s 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, with long arms and a freakish ability to turn into Gumby when he’s getting blocked. The Jets very likely want to keep him, but they may be having a fire sale very soon. That alone should get Roseman on the line.
Why the Philadelphia Eagles Should Try to Trade for NY Jets DE Will McDonald
GettyIt may be a long shot, but the Philadelphia Eagles should still try to trade for Jets DE Will McDonald IV.
McDonald’s rookie season was quiet. He finished with 3.0 sacks, a forced fumble and five QB hits in 15 games (no starts), but he had a breakthrough the following year in 2024. Last season, he had 10.5 sacks, 11 tackles-for-loss, two forced fumbles and 24 QB hits in 17 games (15 starts). Through the first five weeks of 2025, he’s got 2.0 sacks.
His contract makes him even more attractive. McDonald is locked into a rookie deal through 2026, and the Jets still controls his fifth-year option for 2027. With the Eagles already doling out big-money deals to Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and others, he’d be an ideal addition, as he has cap hits of $4.5 million and $5 million in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
The Eagles also really need a tone-setter right now. Nolan Smith is on injured reserve, Ogbo Okoronkwo has struggled to stay healthy and Azeez Ojulari is fairly average. Bryce Huff — last year’s big swing and miss — was dealt to the 49ers in June.
From a fit standpoint, McDonald feels like he was built for Fangio’s scheme. He can play wide and win fast, and he’d force other teams to game-plan for his mere presence. With Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis collapsing the middle, McDonald could fly off the edge.
What Might a Trade Like This Cost the Eagles?
There’s no question that a talent like McDonald would come at a price. Recent trades that could be comparable include Montez Sweat costing a second-rounder and Brian Burns bringing back a second and fifth before signing long-term. McDonald is younger, cheaper and under control for multiple seasons, so the Jets won’t let him go for a Day 2 pick.
A realistic offer might look like this: Philadelphia sends a 2026 second-round pick plus a conditional 2027 third that would escalate to a second if McDonald logs 8.0 sacks or plays 60% of the team’s defensive snaps over the next two seasons. That structure would protects the Eagles and still gives the Jets some solid compensation.
Heading into Week 6, the NFC remains wide open. Roseman has made a career out of making moves few saw coming, and this would certainly qualify. Whether it’s McDonald or someone else, though, the Eagles should address their needs on the edge, stat.
