The Untouchable Lions: A Breakdown of Players Who Won’t Be Traded

Recently, former Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards stirred up a storm with a bold suggestion: a trade of Aidan Hutchinson to the Cleveland Browns for Myles Garrett. While the idea may have left some scratching their heads, it sparked an interesting conversation about which players are truly untouchable for the Detroit Lions. Here’s a look at the players who are firmly in that category – those that the Lions would never even entertain trading under any circumstances.

Penei Sewell: The Cornerstone of the Franchise

Penei Sewell is as untouchable as they come. He was the first building block in the foundation of the Lions’ rebuilding effort and remains one of the best offensive tackles in football today. Beyond that, Sewell is a dominant force in the league—there’s no question about his future with Detroit. No matter how tempting an offer might be, the Lions would never consider trading a player of his caliber. He’s not just one of the best tackles; he’s one of the best players in the entire league.

Amon-Ra St. Brown: The Heart and Soul of Detroit

When you think of grit, heart, and a no-nonsense mentality, Amon-Ra St. Brown immediately comes to mind. He epitomizes the culture of the Detroit Lions: tough, selfless, and relentless. Whether he’s playing through injury, blocking for his teammates, or stepping up in clutch moments, St. Brown’s energy and leadership are invaluable. He’s not just a star receiver; he’s the heart and soul of the team. His tenacity and commitment make him irreplaceable. Trading him would be unthinkable.

Jahmyr Gibbs: An Explosive Weapon on Offense

Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the most exciting young running backs in the NFL. With his speed, agility, and big-play potential, he can change the course of a game in an instant. The value he brings to Detroit’s offense is undeniable, and while running backs are often considered replaceable in today’s NFL, Gibbs is different. His ability to break off massive runs and score touchdowns in bunches makes him an offensive weapon that the Lions would never consider parting with. He’s a game-changer, and that kind of talent doesn’t come around often.

Frank Ragnow: The Heart of the Offensive Line

Frank Ragnow has earned his reputation as one of the best centers in football, and for good reason. As the centerpiece of the Lions’ offensive line, Ragnow anchors the blocking scheme and brings an old-school toughness to the team. He’s a Dan Campbell guy through and through: hard-nosed, competitive, and impossible to keep off the field. His leadership and consistency are indispensable, making him another player the Lions simply couldn’t afford to trade.

Jake Bates: The Kicker You Can’t Afford to Lose

Now, it may seem odd to include a kicker on this list, but Jake Bates is one of the most valuable assets on this Lions team. After struggling to find consistency in their kicking game, the Lions have finally found a reliable kicker in Bates, and they don’t want to go back to the dark days of uncertainty at that position. In today’s NFL, a reliable kicker is hard to come by, and Bates has proven himself worthy of a spot on the untouchable list.

Aidan Hutchinson: The Future of the Defense

Aidan Hutchinson is without a doubt the future of the Detroit Lions’ defense. After a standout rookie season, Hutchinson has emerged as one of the top defensive players in the league. Had it not been for an unfortunate injury, he might have even been a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. The Lions’ defense revolves around him, and the team sees him as a key piece in their long-term plans. There’s no way they’d part with Hutchinson, especially when his potential is still sky-high.

Kerby Joseph: The Smart, Playmaking Safety

Kerby Joseph is not just having a good season by accident—he’s proven himself to be one of the smartest, most cerebral players on the field. As an All-Pro safety, Joseph has demonstrated an uncanny ability to read the game, make plays, and get better with each passing week. The Lions aren’t going to let go of a player who has such a high football IQ and such immense growth potential. He’s a cornerstone of the defense for years to come.

Conclusion: A List Worth Holding On To

While this list of untouchables isn’t exhaustive, it paints a clear picture of the key players the Lions have invested in and built around. Of course, just because a player isn’t on this list doesn’t mean they’ll never be traded. However, for the players mentioned above, it would take an offer so extraordinary that the Lions couldn’t possibly turn it down. These are the guys who have set the tone for the franchise, and they’re here to stay—no matter what trade rumors come their way.