Breaking News: Lions Trade Proposal Aims to Acquire High-Caliber Bills Player for Detroit
The Detroit Lions put on a strong performance against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 22, achieving a 20-13 victory on the road. As they prepare for Week 4, NFL analyst Matt Holder discusses a trade proposal he believes could enhance the Lions’ defense.
In a Bleacher Report article published on September 23 that evaluates each team’s most pressing needs ahead of Week 4, Holder recommends that the Lions trade with the Buffalo Bills for cornerback Kaiir Elam. He noted that cornerback has been a persistent problem for the Lions since last season and remains one of their significant weaknesses.
Kaiir Elam Could ‘Make an Immediate Impact’
In his analysis of the potential trade for Elam, Holder acknowledged that while the third-year player may not yet be the asset the Lions are looking for, this is mainly due to him being behind Christian Benford on the depth chart. He expressed that Elam, a first-round pick from 2022, possesses the talent necessary to contribute immediately and could be a long-term solution for the cornerback position.
In another Bleacher Report article on September 18, NFL writer Kristopher Knox identified Elam as a trade candidate, including him in his “Week 3 honorable mentions.” Elam was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft and had a promising rookie season, appearing in 16 games with six starts, two interceptions, and four passes defended. However, his playing time in 2023 has been limited due to injuries and being a healthy scratch, resulting in just three games played and 14 tackles this season.
Despite this, Elam may thrive elsewhere beyond the Bills. In an August feature for Bleacher Report, Alex Kay named him as a potential trade target for the Washington Commanders, suggesting he could see more playing time outside of Buffalo. He noted that acquiring a promising player like Elam could help address depth issues and prepare the team for the future, although he has had both impactful moments and mistakes on the field.
Watch for Walter Nolen in the 2025 Draft
Looking ahead, Holder advises the Lions to keep an eye on defensive lineman Walter Nolen from Ole Miss for the 2025 NFL Draft. While re-signing Alim McNeill may be a priority for general manager Brad Holmes, he should consider other options at defensive tackle in the upcoming draft. Nolen, who stands at 6’3” and weighs 305 pounds, has impressive strength and quickness, along with a solid swim move for pass-rushing. According to PFF, he led defensive tackles with five pressures in Week 3 of the college football season, showcasing his potential.
