The Detroit Lions have high hopes for 2023. The team is favored to win an Aaron Rodgers-less NFC North and end a seven-year playoff drought.

The roster was already solid, and some important depth pieces were added this offseason on both sides of the ball. When teams get better depth, previously important players can find themselves on the chopping block. 

One writer thinks this is a new reality for one Detroit veteran. 

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report picked one player that each team should consider trading before the 2023 season kicks off. 

For the Lions, Knox picked veteran edge defender Charles Harris. 

Harris landed in Detroit after disappointing stops in Miami and Atlanta. Harris followed that up with his best season as a pro in 2021 for the Lions, finishing with 7.5 sacks and 65 tackles. That performance led to the former first-round pick landing a two-year, $13M extension in Detroit. 

However, Harris did not double down on his impressive 2021 performance in 2022. Harris only collected one sack in six games before heading to injured reserve. 

Knox added the following assessment: 

Harris has one year left on that deal, and the Lions should consider moving him while they have the opportunity.

With Aidan Hutchinson, James Houston, John Cominsky and Romeo Okwara emerging as a viable pass-rushing rotation, Harris simply may not return to a prominent role this season. He already had a lesser impact last year, recording just one sack in six games before landing on injured reserve with a groin injury.

While the trade market for Harris might not be strong, the Lions should be happy to get something in return for a player who probably isn't in their long-term plans. Dealing Harris would free up a roster spot for a player who might be part of the future, and it would save Detroit $3.1 million in cap space.

Trading Harris not only frees up a few million dollars, but it also frees up playing time for some of the younger defenders. James Houston had a monstrous eight sacks in just seven games, so surely the Lions' staff wants him on the field in 2023. 

Former top pick Aidan Hutchinson, the Okwara brothers, John Cominsky, and the aforementioned Houston can combine to form a deadly pass rush in the Motor City. 

Featured image via © Kirthmon F. Dozier | 2023 May 25