Wide receiver trades that Detroit Lions should make now

Detroit Lions wide receiver trade target #1

Christian Kirk is the first name that we like besides James Washington, who has been mentioned in rumors connected to the franchise. Since Washington has already been suggested, our next trade target is in a somewhat similar position.

Kirk plays for the Arizona Cardinals and is potentially available because of several reasons. He’s on a contract year but the bigger issue surrounds the Cardinals trading for superstar DeAndre “Nuk” Hopkins last year; Hopkins’ salary is going to jump from $12.5 million to $25 million in 2022, according to Spotrac.

Not only that, the franchise has drafted multiple other receivers in early rounds, including selecting Andy Isabella and Rondale Moore, both in Round 2 (2019 and 2021 drafts, respectively). It sure looks like they could replace his production cheaper than the cost of re-signing him, considering their draft expenditures.

Kirk has posted modest numbers, 590, 709, and 621 yards-receiving during his first three years but ranked 12th in average separation among wide receivers, with 3.5 yards of space, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.

At 5-10, 201-pounds, he would be a versatile piece that could play outside or in the slot. He would be a starter in Detroit but probably not a number one, something that can be addressed through the draft.

As far as cost, if he’s available, his $3.025 million salary is in the Detroit Lions ability to pay him; as a former second-round pick, he might be had for a third-round to fifth-round pick due to his contract status and the fact that he will want a new deal prior to next year. Essentially, the draft pick rents him for the year but also gives you rights to negotiate for next year.