NFL Trade Rumors: Lions GM Brad Holmes looking for EDGE players

After reviewing film from the Detroit Lions' final game against the Minnesota Vikings, coach Dan Campbell came to an important conclusion about his defense.

“One area where we can improve is that there were some things that our coverage really needed to cover – we asked a lot of them and they had to hang in there a little bit,” Campbell said in his press release Monday. “So there were a number of things where we were a bit rushed, we got there a couple of times. To answer your question, we just need a little more (pressure). There were a few (plays) that took a long time, a few of those plays where you like to think we can get someone there a little sooner.”

In fact, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was able to hold onto the ball for a long time, which put additional pressure on the Lions' secondary against a good group of Minnesota receivers. According to Fantasy Points, Darnold averaged 3.4 seconds from snap to throw, which was the longest of any quarterback against the Lions defense this season.

In the press conference, Campbell noted that defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn did a great job increasing the pressure and giving them a fighting chance without Aidan Hutchinson.

But in a one-on-one interview with Dan Miller later that day, Campbell noted that both the coaching staff and general manager Brad Holmes are still actively exploring ways to bolster the defensive line personnel, including a possible trade.

“We need a little bit (more pressure),” Campbell said. “Whether it’s someone in the house, we do things a little differently or it’s a trade. Look, Brad is still looking at everything right now. It's not like we've turned our backs on it (and no one's looking or anything). So, we'll find it, but until then we'll find everything we need here. If we have to try out a few guys – we still have Isaiah Thomas, we have (Mitchell) Agude, we have Al-(Quadin) Muhammad that we brought with us. So we can give these guys a chance. We’re open to looking for whatever we can.”

The NFL trade deadline is just two weeks away (Tuesday, November 5) and it's unclear who, if anyone, the Lions might be targeting. They reportedly contacted the Jets about Haason Reddick, but the New York defenseman has settled his contract dispute with the Jets and is returning to the team this week. We've also heard Za'Darius Smith speak openly about wanting to join the Lions, but there are no reports as to whether that feeling is mutual.

The Lions have consistently said since Hutchinson's injury that they will look, but they will not make a hasty decision or act in desperation.

“Everything has to be right,” Campbell said last week. “And honestly, where we are now, we’re in no rush. I mean, I believe in the people who are here. I believe in this D-line. That doesn't mean that we don't search and don't evaluate. Brad is, this is his job and he's good at it and we take it as it comes. But our eyes are open and we want to make sure we have what we need here.”

UPDATE: Campbell expanded on this topic during his weekly appearance on the show “Costa & Jansen with Heather.” Here are some notable quotes from his Tuesday morning radio spot:

“Brad has been dealing with this since last week. He really looked at everything that could possibly be available. And a lot of it is: making calls. First of all, who do you like on tape? Who is worth something? And not just because someone says he's a good player. You have to see for yourself and do your homework. And where are they then? How much football do they have left? What salary do we accept? How does it affect us signing our own guys next year? How much value do you have to give up? So all of that plays a role, but trust us, we're looking. Brad is there and we're finding someone who fits us and brings something to the table. Like I said, a complementary piece that helps that D-line.”

Campbell then talked about how involved he was in the process of acquiring a new player.

“When (the conversations) get serious, he (Holmes) says, 'Look at this,' and I do too. Because he wants to know that I'm okay with it. If there's someone he likes and it's worth it, then I know it's serious and I'll check it out and, man, if I like it, we're all good. If it's something I don't like, he won't force it on me. That's not how we work. So we've been good for four years now. But I also know that if it’s something like that, I don’t know that he’s ever been wrong.”

So has Holmes approached him about any players yet?

“Yeah, he asked me to look at something. A few things.”