Lions Make Puzzling Call on Edge-Rusher at NFL Trade Deadline
The Detroit Lions defense needed help off the edge and in the secondary, where injuries and roster deficiencies combined to leave them lacking depth and high-end talent at both positions.
But instead of going after a big fish like Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals or taking a smaller swing, the Lions made a puzzling choice. They chose to do nothing.
The New York Jets sold off major players on their defense in Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, which put edge-rusher Jermaine Johnson in the spotlight leading up to the deadline.
Spotlight on the Jets in the final 75 minutes of the deadline after two massive deals. Teams say New York wants a 2nd for EDGE Jermaine Johnson, who has expected to stay with the team.
“Spotlight on the Jets in the final 75 minutes of the deadline after two massive deals,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler posted to X. “Teams say New York wants a 2nd for EDGE Jermaine Johnson, who has expected to stay with the team.”
The former first-round pick and Pro Bowler would have been some sort of answer across from Aidan Hutchinson, but after losing to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at home and falling to 5-3, the Lions instead chose inaction.
The move tracks with the team’s choice not to re-sign Za’Darius Smith to a contract this preseason, letting him leave for the Philadelphia Eagles before his eventual retirement.
Detroit now has only free agency by which it can add playmakers to a defense that is in clear need of some.
Lions Make Move to Add Guard After Injury Along O-Line
GettyHead coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions.
The Lions could have also used some help along the offensive line after losing guard Christian Mahogany to a broken ankle in Week 9 against Minnesota.
Head coach Dan Campbell said Monday that Mahogany will be sidelined “a long time” with the injury, which is bad news for a unit that had already taken a step back from the dominant force it was the two years prior.
Detroit did make a move to add to the line by inking rookie guard Jack Conley to the practice squad.
“They picked up rookie guard Jack Conley ahead of 4pm EST, and he lands on their practice squad amidst Mahogany’s long road to recovery,” Candace Pedraza of FanSided reported. “This signals that the team is likely going to slide Trystan Colon or Kingsley Eguakun onto the line ahead of Week 10.”
The Cleveland Browns were potentially sellers of two multiple-time Pro Bowlers in guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller, but Detroit chose not to make attempts to land either of those players and will now rely on what was already thin depth in the offensive line room.
Lions Lack of Aggression at NFL Trade Deadline Doesn’t Line Up With Dan Campbell’s Personality, On-Field Strategy
GettyDetroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
Detroit has won the NFC North Division the past two seasons and hasn’t shied away from big moves before, such as trading for Smith ahead of last year’s deadline.
Campbell is aggressive by nature in everything he does, including play-calling, so it was curious to see the Lions remain entirely inactive ahead of the trade deadline on Tuesday.
Detroit will take on the Washington Commanders in Week 10, a game they must have as 8.5-point favorites with QB Jayden Daniels out with a dislocated elbow.
Indianapolis Colts Legend Peyton Manning Defends Daniel Jones Against Critics: “We Don’t Need to Be Mahomes”
The ongoing debate surrounding Daniel Jones’ place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks reached a boiling point this week, and just as it seemed to overshadow the Indianapolis Colts’ season, a legendary voice rose from the past to defend the team’s current star.
When former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh remarked on Speakeasy that “The regular season doesn’t turn anyone into Mahomes,” his criticism of Daniel Jones hit a nerve with fans and players alike. Houshmandzadeh, who had been a key part of the Bengals’ offense during their successful years, seemed to dismiss Jones' accomplishments, suggesting that greatness in the regular season alone isn’t enough to compare with the likes of Patrick Mahomes.
However, the comments quickly backfired when none other than Peyton Manning, the Hall of Fame quarterback and Indianapolis Colts legend, stepped into the fray. Manning, a man who led the Colts to a Super Bowl championship and became one of the most prolific QBs in NFL history, was not one to let such disparaging remarks slide — especially when they were aimed at someone who has come to represent the very soul of Indianapolis.
Appearing on Good Morning Football, Manning spoke with raw emotion and deep conviction:
“I understand those criticisms. I was once in Daniel’s position – hearing people say I was ‘good enough but not great enough.’ But if you live in Indianapolis, you know Daniel Jones isn’t just a player, he’s the heart of this city. He doesn’t need to be Mahomes to become a legend. He just needs to be himself.”
In a single statement, Manning summed up the pride of Colts fans, affirming that Jones, though not in the same mold as Mahomes, has his own journey to greatness. The words were not just a defense of a quarterback, but a defense of a city that has long embraced a culture of resilience, loyalty, and passion — qualities that are often more significant than mere statistics.
The reaction was swift. Colts fans, who have rallied around Jones since he was signed, took to social media in droves. The hashtag #InDanielWeTrust trended on X (formerly Twitter) as Colts fans showed their unwavering support for their franchise quarterback, their voices echoing the sentiment that Jones’ greatness doesn't have to be measured by anyone else’s standards.
As Manning’s words spread across the internet, Daniel Jones, ever humble, addressed the situation with his trademark class. In his post-practice interview, when asked about Houshmandzadeh’s remarks, Jones responded with a calm and confident demeanor:
“I heard it, and honestly, I respect him. But I don’t play to become Mahomes — I play for Indianapolis, for the people who wake up every morning, put on No. 8, and believe today will be the day we win. Mahomes has his journey, I have my own. And I believe, if we keep fighting, that journey will lead us to where we deserve to be.”
In that brief but powerful response, Jones solidified his role as not just a player, but a leader who understands the weight of his position in the city of Indianapolis. The way he carried himself in the face of criticism was a testament to the type of man he is — one who plays for something much larger than personal accolades. His words were met with applause in the studio, and the host could only comment:
In many ways, this moment encapsulates the essence of what it means to be an Indianapolis Colt. From Peyton Manning’s days of leading the team to a Super Bowl victory to Jones’ rise as the face of the franchise, the Colts have always been about more than just victories on the field. In Indianapolis, it’s about the grit, the loyalty, and the determination to prove that their place in the league isn’t defined by comparisons.
As the season rolls on, it’s clear that the Colts are focused on carving out their own legacy, and Daniel Jones is the man at the helm, leading them with the spirit of a true Indianapolis son. From Manning to Jones, it’s evident that the Colts are a team built on heart — and that’s something no one can measure with stats or comparisons. It’s their greatest asset, and it’s a legacy no one can replicate.
In Indianapolis, it’s never been about being Mahomes. It’s about being the best version of themselves. And with Jones at the wheel, the city of Indianapolis believes this journey will lead to greatness — on their terms.
