Lions Proposed Trade Down Offer With Eagles Is Win-Win Scenario

Detroit could use additional draft capital in 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:37pm

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The Detroit Lions currently do not possess a third-round pick in this year's NFL Draft after trading multiple third-round picks to move up in last year's draft. A recent ESPN mock draft features the Lions trading down with the Philadelphia Eagles, who would move up six spots to select at pick No. 17. The Lions would receive the 23rd overall pick and a third-round selection (No. 98) in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The proposed trade would give the Lions additional draft capital to address needs at offensive tackle, linebacker, safety, and along the defensive line. The Eagles could look to jump ahead of the Vikings and Panthers to land a safety prospect to pair with Andrew Mukuba in Vic Fangio's defense.

The details

In the ESPN mock draft, the Lions would trade down from the 17th overall pick to 23rd, while also receiving the Eagles' third-round selection (No. 98) in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Eagles would move up six spots to select at pick No. 17, likely targeting a safety prospect to complement their defense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions who made the decision to trade multiple third-round picks to move up in last year's draft.

Howie Roseman

The general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles who could look to move up in the draft to target a safety prospect for Vic Fangio's defense.

Vic Fangio

The defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, whose defensive scheme values the safety position.

Andrew Mukuba

The starting safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, who would be paired with a new safety prospect if the team moves up in the draft.

Dillon Thieneman

The Oregon safety prospect who could be targeted by the Eagles if they move up in the draft.

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What they’re saying

“Howie Roseman and the Eagles would be thinking safety here. While I'm not sure Roseman would have taken a safety in the first round in years past, the longtime Eagles general manager surprised many onlookers (myself included) by using his first-round pick on Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell last year, a position Philly hasn't traditionally valued in that way.”

— Bill Barnwell, NFL Writer

“Safety is an essential part in Vic Fangio's defense, though, and the Eagles have an opening next to Andrew Mukuba after Reed Blankenship signed with the Texans. If Roseman covets Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, who profiles as the sort of versatile option Fangio loves, he's probably going to need to get moving.”

— Bill Barnwell, NFL Writer

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026, where the Lions and Eagles will look to execute this proposed trade down scenario.

The takeaway

This proposed trade down scenario would be a win-win for both the Lions and Eagles. The Lions would acquire additional draft capital to address roster needs, while the Eagles would move up to target a safety prospect that fits Vic Fangio's defensive scheme.