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We ran 8 Detroit Lions trade targets through our trade simulator ahead of the NFL deadline, and some of the results are surprising
We put eight potential Lions trade targets through the A to Z Sports trade simulator to see what Detroit might have to give up. Some proposed deals look like bargains, while others come with a surprisingly steep price.
The NFL trade deadline is almost here for the Detroit Lions. On Monday, we went through the league and put together a list of players we think give the Lions the best trade opportunities. Now it’s time for one last step. We ran every one of those trade targets through the A to Z Sports trade simulator to see what each player is worth.
The cornerbacks
Charvarius Ward
We’ll start with Charvarius Ward. Our simulator says the Lions can get Ward for a 2027 fifth-round pick. If Detroit can do that, I would do it immediately. Ward is a starter and a former All-Pro. He can play man coverage, and he fits right into what the Lions want to do. It’s a plug-and-play situation.
As we noted in Monday’s article, we know the Lions have called the Colts about Ward. I don’t know if that means they had any serious conversations, and I don’t know if anything has been offered. I just know they called. We’ll see what happens, but if I’m the Lions, I would consider this one.
Riq Woolen
Next up is Riq Woolen. The simulator has Woolen at a 579-point value, and we had to do some work to match that for Detroit. The deal would send a 2027 third-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Eagles for Woolen.
Ward would be the cheapest way to go. But if I’m the Lions, this is the move I would make. Woolen is 27 years old, so you could still sign him to a two- or three-year deal afterward, assuming it all works out. It does feel like a lot to give up. That being said, I think the simulator is a little off here. A lot of the value you’ve seen floated around has landed in the fourth- or fifth-round range, and I think you could probably get him for a fourth. So I’m going to slightly disagree with our simulator on this one.
JuJu Brents
Then there’s JuJu Brents. The Lions can get Brents for a 2027 seventh-round pick. He’s a starter-quality cornerback who played fairly well against the Lions this past Sunday, and I’m sure Detroit noticed. If you can get him for a seventh, why not? That’s a deal I would make if I were Lions general manager Brad Holmes.
Donte Jackson
Lastly at cornerback, you’ve got Donte Jackson. A 2027 seventh-round pick would get it done. Jackson is a 30-year-old career starter who has done everything in this league. The only real question is health. He has had hamstring issues this season that have kept him out of games. Even for a seventh-round pick, you want to make sure the guy is healthy enough to play the rest of the season. I also know that if Detroit made this trade, Lions fans would be a little up in arms about his injury history.
The safety
Budda Baker
Over at safety, the Lions can get Budda Baker for a 2027 sixth-round pick. I think the simulator is betting a little low here. Baker is 30 years old and isn’t playing as well as he used to. Still, I would bet the Cardinals would want at least a fourth-round pick if they trade him.
Like I mentioned Monday, I don’t see this one happening. That feels even more true after the Andre Cisco trade. Even if it means Kerby Joseph can’t play this year, I think the Lions are set at safety. They have Brian Branch, Chuck Clark, Keith Abney, and Cisco. Maybe Thomas Harper comes back at some point, and Christian Izien can also play safety.
The linebackers
Zack Baun
Then you get to Zack Baun. This is the most blockbuster-ish trade the Lions could make this year. The simulator has a 2027 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick going to Philadelphia for Baun.
That is a lot, and honestly, I think the simulator is kind of crazy on this one. I don’t think it would cost a first-round pick for Baun. Maybe a second or a third, possibly with something else attached, but not a first.
Here’s the thing, though. If you want Baun, it’s going to cost you. The good news is there’s a lot of contractual value left, with two and a half seasons remaining on his deal. You might look at a 29-year-old and wonder why anyone would pay this much. It’s because he’s playing so well and has years left on his contract. I still think you could get it done for a second. I don’t necessarily think the Lions would make this move, but we’ll see.
Jordyn Brooks
Next up is Jordyn Brooks, who would cost a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick. This is a lot more Detroit’s speed. The Lions saw him up close on Sunday, and he played really well. He’s been playing really well all season. It’s a significantly cheaper deal, and it makes a lot of sense. My thought process right now is that the Lions are leaning more toward cornerback than linebacker, but this one isn’t a bad deal.
Daiyan Henley
Finally, there’s Daiyan Henley, who would cost a 2027 fifth-round pick. The issue here is I don’t know if the Chargers would trade him. He’s 26 years old and playing fairly well. Los Angeles has also been outspoken, in an odd way, about not wanting to trade anybody. It would be a fun deal and a good deal for the Lions. I just don’t think the Chargers would do it. It’s worth thinking about, though.
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