Detroit Lions Trade Deadline 2025 Rumors and Updates

Detroit Lions Stay Put at 2025 NFL Trade Deadline

The Detroit Lions remained inactive during the 2025 NFL trade deadline, choosing not to make any major moves despite the flurry of activity from other teams. Ahead of the deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 4, Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed that he didn’t expect his team to make many, if any, trades to bolster their roster. The Lions honored that prediction, making no trades even as teams like the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints made significant moves.

Fans were undoubtedly disappointed with the lack of action, especially after the Lions’ recent loss to the Minnesota Vikings. In a game that exposed serious depth issues on the roster, multiple key offensive linemen went down with injuries, and the team continued to face challenges in the defensive backfield due to injuries to starting cornerback D.J. Reed and All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph.

Despite the setbacks, the Lions will continue to rely on the players they already have on the roster. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates from the trade deadline and how it affected the market.

Key Trade Deadline Moves

Lions Stand Pat at Trade Deadline
The Lions announced two roster moves on Tuesday: releasing tight end Kenny Yeboah and offensive lineman Justin Herron. Beyond that, they made no trades, keeping their draft capital and moving forward with the current roster.

Jets Make Big Moves
The New York Jets made waves by trading star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. Despite being a 1-7 team, the Jets decided to hold onto running back Breece Hall, linebacker Quincy Williams, and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, even though Hall reportedly wanted to be traded.

Saints Trade Trevor Penning to Chargers
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the New Orleans Saints are trading offensive lineman Trevor Penning to the Los Angeles Chargers. Penning, a first-round pick in 2022, has played in 46 games and made 29 starts in his four-year career. The Saints, at 1-8, were active sellers, while the Chargers, at 6-3, needed help at tackle with Joe Alt expected to miss the rest of the season.

Panthers Release Hendon Hooker
Per NFL insider Ari Meirov, the Carolina Panthers released quarterback Hendon Hooker. Hooker was the Lions' third-round pick in 2023 but lost out to Kyle Allen after a rough preseason. He was later added to the Panthers' practice squad before being released just 11 days later.

Lions Add Jack Conley to Practice Squad
Per the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Lions added offensive lineman Jack Conley to the practice squad. Conley, a five-year player from Boston College, is listed at 6-foot-7 and 333 pounds, making him one of the biggest players on the team.

Other Notable Trades

Jets Want Second-Round Pick for Jermaine Johnson
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Jets are asking for a second-round pick for edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. Fowler expects Johnson to remain with the team.

Cowboys Acquire Quinnen Williams
The Dallas Cowboys traded for New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, sending a first-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith in return. Williams, an All-Pro defender, has started 94 games over seven seasons with the Jets.

Bears Acquire Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Per CBS's Jonathan Jones, the Chicago Bears traded for Cleveland Browns edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, a former first-round pick. Tryon-Shoyinka has recorded 15 sacks over 45 starts in Tampa Bay before joining the Browns in 2025.

Rashid Shaheed Traded to Seahawks
Per the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the New Orleans Saints are trading wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks. Shaheed, who has 44 receptions this season, should provide a boost to the Seahawks' offense.

Sauce Gardner Traded to Colts
In the biggest trade of the deadline, star New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round picks. Gardner, a two-time All-Pro, is a Detroit King graduate and a former Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Jakobi Meyers Traded to Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired receiver Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a fourth and sixth-round pick. Meyers, who had a productive 2024 season, should help the Jags' passing game.

Coach Dan Campbell's Perspective

During his weekly radio interview, Lions coach Dan Campbell was asked if the Eagles' flurry of trades put pressure on the Lions to make moves. His response? "I'll be honest, that's never crossed my mind ... I don't see it that way." The Eagles had made several high-profile acquisitions, but Campbell emphasized that the Lions would stick to their plan.

Ragnow Not Coming Out of Retirement

With the Lions needing help on the offensive line, some fans wondered if longtime center Frank Ragnow would come out of retirement. However, Campbell shot down the idea, stating that if Ragnow wanted to play, he would have already reached out.

Other Notable Transactions

Logan Wilson Traded to Cowboys
The Cincinnati Bengals traded linebacker Logan Wilson to the Dallas Cowboys for a seventh-round pick. Wilson has been a consistent performer for the Bengals over six seasons.

Dre'Mont Jones Traded to Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens acquired Tennessee Titans edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick. Jones has recorded 4½ sacks through nine games in 2025.

Commanders Considering Trades
Stuck at 3-6, the Washington Commanders may be in sell mode as the trade deadline approaches. They are considering trading offensive linemen Andrew Wylie and Nick Allegretti, both of whom have Super Bowl experience.

Decker and Sewell Likely Avoid Long-Term Injuries
Coach Campbell confirmed that left tackle Taylor Decker and right tackle Penei Sewell likely avoided long-term injuries, which is good news for the Lions' offensive line.

Minkah Fitzpatrick Available for Trade
After trading Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles, the Miami Dolphins have made Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick available for trade. However, his high cap hit makes him a risky acquisition.

Trey Hendrickson Asking Price
The most prized edge rusher on the market, Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals, is asking for a first-round pick. The Lions have available first-round picks in 2026, 2027, and 2028, but it remains unclear if they would trade one for a short-term rental.

Evan Neal Available for Trade
Offensive lineman Evan Neal, the former No. 7 overall pick, is available for trade. If the Lions acquire him, it could provide much-needed relief for their injured offensive line.

Jaelan Phillips Traded to Eagles
A top trade target for the Lions, Jaelan Phillips, was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick. Phillips, a five-year pro, had been linked to the Lions as a potential addition to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.