Should the Lions Utilize Trades More?

Over the last season and into the offseason, it’s been obvious that Detroit Lions G.M. Bob Quinn has been doing his best to mimic the Patriot way. (Well the non-shady Patriot way.) Two major areas where they have assimilated are growing through the draft and allowing some of their own players to walk. Earlier this offseason, I was nervous about the Lions letting Larry Warford and Riley Rieff walk, but after their replacements were brought in, I basically forgot who those guys were.

Another major page from the Patriots’ book Detroit is taking is actually utilizing trades. I know, I know, it’s crazy. NFL trades don’t happen! Have we forgotten when Detroit shipped a draft pick away for Mike Thomas from the Jags? Well, I haven’t. But this team isn’t making trades as bad as that one. Instead, they are looking to move players with value to other teams and no business on the Lions, such as Kyle Van Noy.

Sadly, Van Noy never fit in with the Lions. It took the team way too long to realize that he was a 3-4 scheme guy. When they finally decided to give up on him they were able to ship him to the Patriots for a sixth-round pick. Now, this isn’t ideal for a player that was once a second-round selection, but it’s better than getting nothing out of him and eventually nothing for him.

Every player in the league has value somewhere. If Detroit isn’t going to get something out of somebody, it makes sense to try and ship them out for anything that is valuable. Last preseason they actually did this when Jeremy Kerley was traded to the 49ers. Kerley was struggling for the Lions. He came in fighting for the return position, along with being seen as a sure-handed slot receiver. Neither of those showed during his time in Detroit. So instead of cutting him, the Lions were able to move him for guard Brandon Thomas. Thomas may not make the team this season, but at the time he was a need.

So I’m interested to see what the Lions do with the trading block once OTAs begin. After hitting on so many draft picks last season, the Lions have a lot of young talent that they may want to get on the field sooner rather than later. And for those players that haven’t panned out, such as Laken Tomlinson, who knows if they test his value. Yes, it pays to have depth, but it’s a lot better to get a player you’ll actually use.

So what do you think? Would you like to see the Lions go against the grain and actually make trades? Or would you rather hold onto talent and hope that it clicks for struggling players?

Like SideLionReport on Facebook and Follow Jack on Twitter @J_Zark.

Next: Unless Fournette Falls, Lions Should Pass on 1st-round RB