Lions Urged to Trade 17th Pick in Draft for Contract Reasons

Detroit has several key players up for extensions, so accumulating more draft capital could be beneficial.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:37pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a football game or NFL draft scene into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the vibrant colors of the Detroit Lions' team palette.The Lions' upcoming contract decisions could lead them to trade down in the 2026 NFL Draft, breaking their draft strategy into a cubist geometric deconstruction.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Lions are slated to make the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but ESPN's Bill Barnwell suggests they should consider trading down from that spot. The main reason is that the Lions have several key players - including Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell and Brian Branch - who are eligible for contract extensions this offseason. By trading down and accumulating more draft picks, the Lions could add cheaper, young talent to supplement their big-money players.

Why it matters

The Lions are facing some difficult contract decisions this offseason, with several of their top players eligible for extensions. Trading down from the 17th overall pick could allow them to add more draft capital to help fill out the roster around their highest-paid players.

The details

Barnwell believes the ideal scenario for the Lions would be to trade down a few spots from 17 and acquire an additional third-round pick. While they may not want to drop too far down the board and risk missing out on an immediate starter, adding more selections later in the draft could prove beneficial in the long run.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Jahmyr Gibbs

A running back for the Detroit Lions who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

Sam LaPorta

A tight end for the Detroit Lions who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

Jack Campbell

A linebacker for the Detroit Lions who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

Brian Branch

A defensive back for the Detroit Lions who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“It would be a surprise if the Lions traded out of the first round and did something drastic, and given their needs at offensive tackle and edge rusher, they probably don't want to drop too far to ensure having a shot at a player who can step in as a starter in 2026.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst

“But dropping down a few spots and getting a third-round pick back would be the ideal scenario for Holmes.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Lions will have to weigh the pros and cons of trading down from the 17th overall pick during the 2026 NFL Draft. If they can find a trade partner willing to move up and acquire the selection, it could provide them with additional draft capital to help fill out the roster around their high-priced veterans.

The takeaway

The Detroit Lions face some difficult decisions this offseason with several key players eligible for contract extensions. Trading down from the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft could allow them to accumulate more draft capital to supplement their roster with cheaper, young talent to support their highest-paid players.