NFL analyst thinks Detroit Lions could trade for stud wide receiver

The Detroit Lions could very well be in the market for a wide receiver ahead of or during the 2024 season, and as a result one NFL analyst thinks they could end up making a major splash at the position.

According to Bucky Brooks of NFL.com , the Lions are a possible landing spot for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk if the San Francisco 49ers decide to trade him after he reportedly requested they do so .

To be clear, this is Brooks speculating on the situation rather than having some kind of inside information. Nevertheless, here's what he wrote:

The Lions don't need to add another offensive weapon, with Amon-Ra St. Brown , Jameson Williams , Sam LaPorta , David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs anchoring one of the most explosive attacks in football, but Aiyuk would give the unit an outside receiver with WR1 capabilities. Though the addition could disrupt the chemistry, rhythm and flow of a unit that already operates at a high level, the aggressive move could also make Detroit's offense impossible to defend. The team would enter the 2024 regular season without a glaring weakness on that side of the ball, while simultaneously decreasing the explosive potential of an NFC rival. (Which, to be frank, underscores why this deal probably won't take place.) If head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson could craft game plans that provide each of the Lions' top playmakers with sufficient touches, the lovable underdogs could quickly become Super Bowl favorites with Aiyuk joining the fold.

The Lions would have a true embarrassment of riches if they landed Aiyuk. They'd have him and Jameson Williams on the outside, Amon-Ra St. Brown in the slot, and budding star Sam LaPorta at tight end. Good luck defending all that.

The problem with that dream scenario is three-fold: the 49ers are reportedly not interested in trading him , they are unlikely to want to deal him to a team that stands to compete with them for the NFC crown, and it stands to reason San Francisco would want Williams as a return in the trade.

The bad news is, trading for Aiyuk is a pipe dream. The good news is, the Lions don't need that kind of move. If anything, they only really need another depth piece, but they are in good shape as is.