If Detroit Lions trade for an Aidan Hutchinson replacement, it likely won't be for a star

Adding Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett would be nice, but if the Detroit Lions get help for their injury-riddled defensive line via the trade market, head coach Dan Campbell said they're more likely to land a "role player" than a star.

"I think if anything you’re looking for really a role player," Campbell said Tuesday in his weekly radio interview on WXYT-FM (97.1) when asked what type of pass rush help the Lions will be looking for on the trade market.

"Somebody I think that can set an edge, that can transition into rush. It doesn’t have to be somebody – I mean, look, as you guys know, the elite rushers and edge setters and all that don’t just fall off trees, or if they do then you’re going to have to sell the farm to get them. But I do think there could be some guys out there, man, that’ll fit into what we’re doing defensively."

The Lions (4-1) have lost their three of their top edge defenders to likely season-ending injuries already this season.

Aidan Hutchinson broke the tibia and fibula in his left leg in last week's win over the Dallas Cowboys and is out four to six months . Marcus Davenport suffered a season-ending torn triceps in Week 3. And Derrick Barnes injured his knee in the same game and could be lost for the season.

Hutchinson leads the NFL with 7½ sacks, and his absence has created a major void on the Lions defense.

A ROLE PLAYER? NOT GOING TO CUT IT: Brad Holmes owes it to Super Bowl-contending Lions to add DE after Aidan Hutchinson injury

Campbell reiterated that the Lions are counting on some of their internal options to help replace Hutchinson's productivity beginning with this week's game against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings.

Josh Paschal made his first start in place of Davenport last week and is the Lions' new No. 1 defensive end. Isaac Ukwu made his NFL debut in a backup role last week off the practice squad. And linebacker Alex Anzalone and defensive tackles Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike and D.J. Reader could play expanded roles.

The Lions also signed defensive end Isaiah Thomas off the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on Tuesday.

Campbell indicated Monday that general manager Brad Holmes already was at work assessing trade options.

Crosby and Garrett are two of the best pass rushers in the NFL, similar to Hutchinson. It's unclear if either is available via trade, and if they are they likely would cost significant draft capital in a trade and require the Lions to give them a new long-term contract.

Campbell said any pass rusher the Lions add via trade will be someone who "can serve a role."

"They can help maybe supplement some of what’s going onside with what we got with Mac and Levi and Reader and those guys," Campbell said. "And I think more than anything, you’re looking for at least a complementary piece."

Dave Birkett will sign copies of his new book, " Detroit Lions : An Illustrated Timeline" at 7 p.m., Oct. 21, at 24 Seconds Bar & Grill in Berkley, and from 5:30-7 p.m., Oct. 22 at Stadium Cards & Comics in Ypsilanti. Order your copy here.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com . Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: If Detroit Lions trade for an Aidan Hutchinson replacement, it likely won't be for a star