The Detroit Lions offense is one of the best in football, with Jared Goff playing at an MVP-caliber level and Jahmyr Gibbs in the mix to win Offensive Player of the Year. However, for Detroit to potentially make a deep playoff run this season, more reinforcements are needed defensively after the return of Brian Branch.

Let’s take a look at some potential Lions trade targets ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline who could help Detroit out defensively.

Donte Jackson, Cornerback, Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson, who turns 31 just ahead of the NFL trade deadline, is in a contract year on a winless team. That makes the veteran a prime trade candidate in these next few weeks. The 5-foot-10 corner isn’t a lockdown defensive option by any means, but he has held opponents to a 53.6 percent completion rate with a 63.0 passer rating on 125 targets over the last three seasons (36 starts). We know Brad Holmes would prefer affordable solutions for Detroit’s secondary, and Jackson fits that bill perfectly.

Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans acquired edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II this offseason from the New York Jets, hoping a reunion with head coach Robert Saleh would provide much-needed help defensively. Johnson, in a contract year, has produced 10 pressures, 6 QB hits, and 3 sacks in 295 snaps for Tennessee. The 6-foot-5 edge defender might only be a half-season rental, with numerous clubs likely to bid on him this offseason in NFL free agency. Given his contract, he might be a more financially friendly option than Khalil Mack, and he’s well-suited to play the No. 2 role opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

Amik Robertson, Washington Commanders

Familiarity with a player is always an added bonus. The Lions coaching staff knows firsthand what veteran cornerback Amik Robertson can do, and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard relied on him heavily in 2025, using him in all 17 games (10 starts). Robertson has been fine this year with the Washington Commanders, allowing just 7.8 yards per target with an 8.6 average depth of target and a 65.9 percent completion rate when targeted. He’s not anything flashy, but he feels like the caliber of rotational defensive back whom Detroit is very familiar with and whom Holmes would want to bring back.

K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, Washington Commanders

ESPN‘s Bill Barnwell has proposed a trade between the Lions and Chargers that would bring cornerback and pass-rushing help to Detroit. Why not pursue that option with Washington? K’Lavon Chaisson isn’t one of the biggest names fans will hear about ahead of the NFL trade deadline, but his 27 percent ESPN pass-rush win rate is actually higher than Hutchinson’s (25 percent) and ranks 12th among all edge rushers. Chaisson is well-accustomed to being a situational pass rusher and taking advantage of playing opposite a No. 1 guy. He’s perfect for the role in Detroit, and perhaps Holmes could acquire both him and Robertson in one deal.

Riq Woolen, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles will be an unexpected seller at the NFL trade deadline, and there is plenty of defensive talent the Lions front office should inquire on. We’ll focus on cornerback Riq Woolen, playing on a one-year deal, who offers outstanding size (6-foot-4) and is very comfortable playing in man coverage. Woolen, age 27, has allowed just a 54 percent completion rate with an 80.8 passer rating and 5.8 yards per target across 38 games (174 targets) in the last two seasons. He’s perfectly suited to be Detroit’s No. 2 cornerback, and he should be reasonably affordable to acquire.

Andre Cisco, S, New York Jets

In a perfect world, Lions general manager Brad Holmes would go all-in on someone like All-Pro safety Derwin James Jr. or even take a swing to acquire Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker. Neither is realistic. Likewise, the Atlanta Falcons have a chance to win the NFC South, and we think that makes a Jessie Bates trade unlikely for Detroit. Instead, we’re highlighting a more viable option.

New York Jets safety Andre Cisco has been better this season (50 percent completion rate and 63.5 passer rating allowed in coverage when targeted) than he was last year. Prior to that, he racked up 22 passes defended and 8 interceptions from 2022–24 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cisco seems like a viable fill-in starter for a team that still expects Kerby Joseph to return during the regular season.