5 trades the Detroit Lions should consider in 2019

PROJECTED TRADE #5

Analysis: Trades within a division are rare. So the probability of Lions pulling off a trade with the Chicago Bears is low. Still, the scenario is sound for both teams. Detroit is in desperate need for a talented player with the potential to be a difference maker as a true two-way tight end.

The Bears signed former Philadelphia Eagles’ tight end Trey Burton to a four-year, $32 million contract as a free agent last year, cementing him as their starter for the foreseeable future. That’s despite drafting Ashland’s Adam Shaheen in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Coming out of college, Shaheen appeared to be the second coming of Jason Witten. A terrific athlete in an offensive lineman’s body (6-foot-6, 270 pounds) who was as good a receiver as he was a blocker.

Having played at the Division-II level, it was believed Shaheen possessed the raw talent to make an instant impact in the NFL. All he lacked was experience. Unfortunately, his rookie season was a tougher transition than many expected as the Bears struggled to find ways to get the talented tight end involved. Although Shaheen only posted 12 total receptions in 2017, three of them went for touchdowns.

Last season, a lower leg injury (right foot and ankle) landed him on injured reserve, limiting the 24-year old to only six game appearances. Shaheen posted five catches for 48 yards and one score.

Because the Chicago Bears share the NFC North division with the Detroit Lions, this may be an impossible trade to make. Still, Adam Shaheen is the type of tight end the Motor City should pursue. A former high selection that still possesses tremendous upside but is buried on the depth chart.