The Detroit Lions had their eyes set on a particular edge, but to get him, they had to make a deal with an old friend: Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets. So, the Lions traded up in the 2026 NFL draft to land Michigan Wolverine Derrick Moore with their No. 44 overall pick.
It’s pretty cool when a draft trade has a little extra history behind it, and that’s exactly what happened when the Lions dealt with the Jets, now led by the former Lions defensive coordinator. It adds a personal layer you don’t usually get with these deals.
What Did the Detroit Lions Get for Their 2nd Round Trade With the New York Jets?
This trade was simple. The Lions got the No. 44 overall pick in this year’s draft, while the Jets got the No. 50th overall pick in 2026 and No. 128th overall also this year.
Again, it’s special to see this trade happen with Glenn. When he was with the Lions, Glenn helped shape Detroit’s defense and culture, so seeing him on the other side of the table makes the moment feel more connected.
There’s also a level of mutual respect that likely played into it. Both sides know how the other operates, which can make negotiations smoother, or at least more interesting. It’s also a reminder that the NFL is really small. More than anything, it just makes the trade more fun. It’s not just a transaction. It’s a reunion of sorts, even if it’s all business once the picks are in.
The trade enabled the Lions to land Moore, and boy, did this franchise need a solid edge, so it was a good move. But, not everyone is glowing about it. Tyler Dragon of USA Today gives the Lions a C grade for this trade and the Jets a B+.
“Moving up to get Moore makes sense for Detroit because of the run of edge rushers early in round two, but it was a bit of a reach,” he notes in the piece. He adds, “I really like what the Jets have done thus far in the draft. They’ve picked up at least three new starters through the first two rounds.”
Detroit Lions Needed Another Solid Edge
Dragon does admit, though, that the Detroit Lions really needed another edge. “The Lions are in search of an edge rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson,” he states. “Detroit ranked near the bottom of the NFL in pass rush win rate and run stop win rate last season. Hutchinson has been the Lions’ only consistent edge rusher.”
Trading up for Moore, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound edge rusher, definitely comes with some risk. Giving up extra draft capital is never a small move, especially for a player who still has areas to clean up. But this is the kind of move that can really pay off if it hits.
Moore has the traits teams covet. If he develops the way the Lions believe he will, this could look like a steal in hindsight. It’s a gamble but one that feels calculated and solid.
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