Report Reveals How High Detroit Lions Tried to Trade Up in 2026 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions weren’t just sitting on their hands during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

They were making calls.

And for a moment, they had their sights set on moving up.

According to reporting from The Athletic, Detroit showed interest in trading up to No. 13 overall, a pick held by the Los Angeles Rams.

Interest confirmed, but no deal materialized

The Lions weren’t alone in exploring that slot, but nothing ultimately came together.

Here’s the full context from The Athletic’s reporting:

“The trade offers that came the Rams’ way at No. 13 were ‘soft,’ a team source told The Athletic. The Dallas Cowboys traded up to take Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. The Detroit Lions had interest in moving up, a team source said, but the return didn’t excite in a draft that thinned out considerably by Day 3 due to so many college players returning for name, image and likeness compensation.”

That lines up with how Detroit has operated under general manager Brad Holmes.

Interest? Sure.

Overpay? Not happening.

A calculated decision, not hesitation

Holmes has never been afraid to move up.

But only when the value matches the conviction.

In this case, the Lions explored the possibility, evaluated the cost, and chose discipline over urgency.

That’s been a consistent theme during his tenure.

Draft board dynamics played a role