Insider believes this Detroit Lions veteran is possible trade bait

The Detroit Lions could be on the lookout for an experienced corner to add to their roster. Perhaps offering this six-year veteran in exchange will help.

The current regime in the Motor City isn’t afraid to make trades in order to acquire more draft ammunition. Just ask Golden Tate. The Detroit Lions‘ leading receiver was unceremoniously traded to the Philadelphia Eagles midseason for a 2019 third round selection.

Earlier this month, the Lions tried to trade tight end Michael Roberts to the New England Patriots for a conditional seventh-rounder in 2020. That trade fell through due to a failed physical and the Lions ultimately waived Roberts.

Now, one insider seems to believe veteran running back Theo Riddick could be next. This after the 28-year old failed to record a single touchdown last season for the first time in his six-year career.

Here’s what Lions’ insider Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press wrote about Riddick’s status on the team and the possibility he breaks the 352 receptions record for a running back in the Motor City.

"“I’m not entirely sure what Riddick’s role will be this fall. He strikes me as trade bait with the addition of sixth-round pick Ty Johnson and considering the role Zach Zenner can play on special teams. But if Riddick stays in Detroit, and new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell uses his skills properly, Riddick has a chance to pass Sanders for receptions by a running back in Lions history.”"

Riddick has arguably been one of the top receiving threats out of the backfield in the NFL for several years now. His best season coming in 2015 when he posted 80 receptions for 697 yards and three scores. Unfortunately, Riddick recorded a career-low 6.3 yards per reception last season. And his 40 rushing attempts on the year were his lowest since 2014.

With the emergence of Kerryon Johnson as a budding superstar, the signing of veteran C.J. Anderson in free agency, the solid performance posted by Zach Zenner late last year and the speed being displayed by rookie Ty Johnson this offseason; Riddick appears to be the odd man out in new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s scheme.

Now the question becomes: What could the Lions possibly obtain in a trade for Riddick? A conditional late-round selection is the likely answer. Player-for-player trades are rare in the NFL. But Detroit does have some depth needs and might be able to swipe a player from another team before they hit the waiver wire.

One position of need the Detroit Lions could look to address in a possible trade is cornerback. With Darius Slay currently unhappy with his contract situation and no clear cut starter opposite him, the Lions will enter training camp hoping both issues get resolved somehow. It’s not hard to imagine the Lions trying to find an experienced, veteran corner who could provide a bit of insurance in case either situation doesn’t work out as planned this summer.