The one trade the Detroit Lions should make this summer

Retooling. That’s the word fans of the Pride have been hearing all offseason about the 2021-22 Detroit Lions. It’s also the word first-year general manager Brad Holmes used to describe the Lions, refusing to call this offseason what it most likely is, a rebuild. But Holmes held strong to that point in his introductory press conference.

While Lions fans have seen this same song and dance before, Holmes has so far not only said the right things but also done the right things to give us fans a glimmer of hope for the future. So, if this truly is just a “retooling” and the new GM is serious about wanting to make this 2021 Lions roster the most competitive roster it can be for this season, the one trade he should make is for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

If you’re now scratching your head at what I just said, let me explain why it makes sense. Firstly from a marketability standpoint. When you think of the 2021 Lions, what players come to mind?

Quarterback Jared Goff, who most have now touted as a throw-in to the Matthew Stafford trade as a favor to the Los Angeles Rams? Defensive end Trey Flowers, the figurehead of the most hated regime this team has seen since the Lions made history being the first NFL team to go 0-16? Or cornerback Jeff Okudah, who some fans have already written off as a bust after a disappointing rookie season?

The point is that this Lions team really doesn’t have many players to get fans excited about the upcoming season, so why not go out and get one of the most recognizable stars in the NFL today? Especially if that star can come in and immediately improve possibly your weakest position group.

Now if you’re saying to yourself: “The Lions had their worst defense in franchise history on the field last year, why not trade for a defensive star?” I see where you’re coming from. However, the Lions defense in my opinion just isn’t in the position to make a splash trade nor could you get a player of Beckham’s potential caliber for the price he could possibly be had for.

The defensive line and secondary are both young units with, hopefully, untapped potential, so it is probably in the team’s best interest to see what they have in those units before they give up premium capital to upgrade them.

The linebacking core is really the only defensive position group that we already have an idea of the talent level, but getting an All-Pro caliber linebacker like a Bobby Wagner or Fred Warner, while nice, would cost a lot more than what Beckham could cost, nor are they available.