The Detroit Lions’ overwhelming victory over the Dallas Cowboys came at a high cost, as ace pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson sustained a severe tibia injury late in the game. The former second-round pick, who was first diagnosed with a lower leg injury, will have to undergo emergency surgery for a broken tibia at a Dallas area hospital. The good news is that the surgery was successful, and the former Pro Bowler will fully recover with rehabilitation. The bad news is that he’s out for the season, leaving the 4-1 Lions with a significant void on their defensive line.
The Michigan product dominated from day one, ranking second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2022, making the Pro Bowl in 2023, and leading the NFL in sacks through the first five weeks of the 2024 season. Only a few pass rushers are as good as Hutchinson, and none of them are available for trade. However, the Lions require a replacement after Aidan Hutchinson’s injury, and the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints have some intriguing trade targets.
After Aidan Hutchinson’s injury, the Lions could trade with the Panthers or the Saints.
After concluding the 2023 season with the poorest record in football, the Carolina Panthers spent the summer focusing on the team’s long-term future. First-year head coach Dave Canales understood he couldn’t solve every issue in one offseason, so he focused on the offence.
While Clowney has not lived up to his deal with the Panthers, it is worth noting that he was a significant member of the Ravens’ pass rush in 2023. While Canales has shown promise with the Panthers, Dan Campbell is a more experienced head coach who might provide a perfect situation for Clowney following Aidan Hutchinson’s injury. Detroit needs someone to get after the quarterback, and Clowney possesses the physical abilities to do so.