It's been well-documented that the LA Chargers were in trade discussions with the Philadelphia Eagles to trade down from the No. 22 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jim Harbaugh confirmed the Eagles weren't the only team the Chargers were talking to and now there is more insight on another potential trade partner: the Detroit Lions.
The Chargers ultimately stayed put at the No. 22 pick to take UNC running back Omarion Hampton. It is clear the Chargers did not value any of the trade proposals enough to move off the Hampton selection.
Per Dan Graziano of ESPN, Lions GM Brad Holmes said the Lions tried trading down in the first round for an edge rusher and were unsuccessful. Based on what we know about the Chargers' situation, it seems pretty clear the Lions were trying to trade down with the Bolts.
Lions likely tried (and failed) to trade down with the Chargers in 2025 NFL Draft
There is one prominent name who was on the board when the Chargers were on the clock that can lead us to this conclusion: James Pearce. The Atlanta Falcons sent a haul to trade down to the No. 26 pick to take Pearce, who was the next edge rusher taken after the Chargers' pick.
The Green Bay Packers seemed set on taking Matthew Golden and the Giants traded up for Jaxson Dart. The only other position the Lions theoretically could have traded up to get an edge rusher was the No. 24 pick belonging to the Minnesota Vikings. As a division rival, the Vikings likely asked for more than the Lions were willing to pay.
If it wasn't already confirmed the Chargers were in trade talks with the Eagles (and other teams), then it wouldn't be so obvious that the Lions were in talks with the Chargers. However, based on what we know, it's safe to say the two teams were in contact.
So what would a trade have looked like? Based on the value of the pick, the Lions would have had to include the No. 70 pick in the draft. Perhaps the Chargers would have sent back a sixth or seventh-round pick in the deal, but the Bolts would have netted at least the No. 70 pick to move down to pick No. 28.
And who knows, Hampton might have been available still for the Chargers to take with the No. 28 pick. It's impossible to know if that was the case and that is likely why the Chargers turned down the chance to trade down in the first place.