Detroit Lions mentioned as potential suitor for recent top-five pick quarterback

The Detroit Lions may draft a quarterback in April, but could they instead trade for a young quarterback with starting experience?

In what might be seen as a fitting development by some Detroit Lions fans, there is not a quarterback considered worthy of a top-five pick in the 2022 draft class as the team looks to find its next franchise signal caller. A second first-round pick, via the Matthew Stafford trade, will provide a more reasonable opportunity to take a quarterback on Day 1 of the draft.

The Lions could also make a trade for a quarterback, should there be one available. A few weeks ago, Detroit somehow landed with not totally far-fetched odds to be Russell Wilson’s next team. But we’lll call a deal for Wilson highly unlikely.

Trading for a younger quarterback isn’t totally out of the question, again if there’s a team willing to part with one that has any sort of promising future.

Detroit Lions mentioned as possible suitor for former top-5 pick

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports has put together a list of 15 NFL quarterbacks who could be on the move this offseason, with possible suitors for each. The Lions have been mentioned as a suitor for someone.

"Tua Tagovailoa-DolphinsDolphins savings, if traded: (-1.5 million)Potential suitors: Texans, Washington, Seahawks, Lions, PanthersThis is totally dependent on the Dolphins acquiring another big-name veteran, which they reportedly strongly considered even after Tagovailoa’s solid rookie season. Tua himself has earned more time, but Miami may prefer play-making to his efficiency."

As Benjamin noted, Tagovailoa’s availability is completely dependent on Miami pursuing and acquiring a big-name veteran like Deshaun Watson, Wilson, etc. It’s not a coincidence he has played better and the team has won seven games in a row since the trade deadline passed, which put Watson rumors to bed at least until the offseason.

The remaining two years on Tagovailoa’s rookie contract after this year, with a fifth-year option in play after next season, are a draw for teams that would have interest. Team building is far easier around a capable quarterback who’s on a rookie contract, and while Tagovailoa might not be a future superstar he can succeed now and going forward with the right pieces around him.

On the premise he will be available, it’s unlikely the Lions wind up seriously in the mix to make a trade for Tagovailoa. He’d likely be part of a deal to acquire a big-name veteran, and aside from that the Lions should keep as many of the future assets as possible. But the chances of it happening are above zero percent, and it’s a conversation the Lions may have heading toward the offseason on the chance the Dolphins look to move their young signal caller.