Lions urged to make a big swing EDGE trade before deadline
The Detroit Lions are looking spry, starting out the season 3-1 and looking to improve to 4-1 against a struggling Cincinnati Bengals squad in Week 5. It's been an even effort in all three phases of the game for the Lions, who suddenly look like the favorites to once again get out of the NFC North.
But, what's a successful season without some speculation that the team could get even better via trade? With the deadline looming in about one month, Detroit is likely to be brought up in a few conversations - specifically, conversations around available pass rushers and cornerbacks.
Injuries to Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reed have suddenly made addressing those two positional groups a bit more important for Detroit, which is likely why Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame has the Lions pegged as a team that should take a swing on New Orleans Saints' pass rusher Carl Granderson.
Lions urged to take a swing on Saints EDGE ahead of deadline
Verderame writes: "The Lions always seem connected to available pass rushers. For the most part, they make it work with what they have the opposite of Aidan Hutchinson. But you can never have enough pass rushers, and Detroit knows better than most teams after last year’s injury wave how quickly depth can disappear from the deepest positions."
He added, "Granderson, 28, is an underrated edge rusher who gets opposing offensive coordinators to scheme against him, which could provide advantageous opportunities for Hutchinson. Granderson has 4.5 sacks and 16 solo tackles this season."
Verderame says that the Lions could likely get Granderson in exchange for a third round pick, which honestly makes sense for Detroit. However, the one thing that could throw a wrench in this idea is Granderson's current deal with the Saints. He carries an $18 million dollar cap hit in 2026 and 2027, which might give the Lions pause.
The team still has deals to work out with Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, and others ahead of 2026, and bringing in a somewhat sizeable contract ahead of those negotiations could make things more difficult for Detroit financially.
Without shedding money in exchange for Granderson, it's not something they're probably trying to get aggressive about. It's exactly why a trade for Trey Hendrickson and Micah Parsons never made sense - they'd be sacrificing their future core for a temporary fix.
LEGEND IMMORTALIZED: New Orleans Saints icon Drew Brees, has officially been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in September 2025….
LEGEND IMMORTALIZED: DREW BREES OFFICIALLY INDUCTED INTO THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME…
September 2025 – Canton, Ohio
The NFL world stood still on a crisp September evening as the legendary Drew Brees, the heart and soul of the New Orleans Saints for two decades, was officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Fans, teammates, coaches, and football royalty gathered in Canton to honor a man whose legacy extends far beyond the gridiron.
Brees, known for his pinpoint accuracy, tireless work ethic, and leadership both on and off the field, took his rightful place among the immortals of the game. With this induction, his name is now forever etched alongside the greatest to ever play professional football.
From Underdog to Unstoppable
Brees’ journey to football immortality has always been one defined by resilience. Drafted in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, he faced skepticism early in his career due to his height and concerns over his throwing shoulder. Those doubts grew louder in 2006, when a career-threatening injury cast uncertainty over his future.
Yet, fate brought him to New Orleans — a city still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. What followed was a perfect match of quarterback and community. Brees not only revitalized the Saints franchise but also played a central role in lifting the spirit of New Orleans.
The Super Bowl Triumph
The defining moment of Brees’ career came on February 7, 2010, when he led the Saints to their first-ever Super Bowl victory. In Super Bowl XLIV, Brees delivered a flawless performance, completing 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns. His MVP-winning effort helped the Saints defeat the Indianapolis Colts, igniting celebrations that spilled across the French Quarter and forever changed the franchise’s identity.
With confetti falling, Brees stood on the podium cradling his young son in his arms, creating an iconic image that symbolized triumph, resilience, and hope. That night, New Orleans was no longer just a city recovering from disaster — it was a city reborn through the spirit of its team.
The Numbers That Tell the Story
Over his 20-year career, Brees compiled one of the most impressive statistical resumes in NFL history. He retired as the league’s all-time leader in passing yards (80,358 at the time of his retirement) and completions, while ranking second in passing touchdowns (571). His precision passing earned him a record-breaking 13 Pro Bowl selections and an astonishing five seasons of 5,000+ passing yards.
But his influence extended far beyond numbers. Brees set the standard for preparation, consistency, and professionalism. Teammates often spoke of his relentless film study, his pre-game speeches that electrified locker rooms, and his ability to remain calm in the face of chaos.
A Leader On and Off the Field
What made Brees truly unique was not just his play on Sundays, but the way he embraced his role as a leader off the field. Through the Brees Dream Foundation, he and his wife Brittany donated millions of dollars to improve education, healthcare, and opportunities for children and families in New Orleans and beyond. His community work solidified his standing not just as a sports icon, but as a civic hero.
As Hall of Fame presenter and longtime teammate Marques Colston noted in his introduction:
“Drew didn’t just change the Saints. He changed the city. He changed the people around him. His legacy is more than football — it’s about hope, resilience, and belief.”
The Hall of Fame Speech
Taking the podium in Canton, Brees delivered a heartfelt speech that had the crowd hanging on every word. He reflected on his journey, thanked his family, and paid tribute to the city of New Orleans.
“I never played this game to break records or to be remembered,” Brees said. “I played to honor my teammates, my coaches, and my community. I played to bring joy to the people of New Orleans, who taught me the true meaning of resilience. This honor belongs as much to them as it does to me.”
The crowd erupted in applause, a testament to the respect and admiration Brees has earned over two decades of excellence.
An Immortal Legacy
With his induction, Drew Brees joins a distinguished class of 2025 Hall of Famers, but his story stands out as one of perseverance and inspiration. For Saints fans, it is the ultimate recognition of the man who transformed their team from perennial underdogs into champions.
As the Hall of Fame doors close behind him, Drew Brees leaves behind more than records or championships. He leaves a legacy of leadership, community, and faith. His name now stands permanently among football’s immortals — and in the hearts of New Orleans, he will forever remain their greatest hero.
