Lions reportedly made a trade offer for Deebo Samuel

The Detroit Lions were a rumored suitor for Deebo Samuel, and they reportedly made an offer on Thursday night.

Once Deebo Samuel reportedly asked the San Francisco 49ers to trade him, the Detroit Lions were quickly regarded as a top potential suitor. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show”, the Lions (and the Jets) made an aggressive offer for Samuel on Thursday night.

“The Jets offered pick 10 and a (later) pick swap, so basically like the equivalent of between pick 13 and pick 14,” Rapoport said. “And the 49ers wouldn’t do it. The Lions had an offer on the table. Of course, the Lions ended up moving up for Jameson Williams, so they go their guy eventually.

The Lions quickly pivoted, trading up from No. 32 overall to No. 12 to take Jameson Williams. General manager Brad Holmes cited the “let’s go get him” mentality on the move to get the Alabama wide receiver, even as he recovers from a torn ACL.

What did the Lions offer for Deebo Samuel?

Rapoport didn’t elaborate on what the Lions’ offer for Samuel looked like. But it’s safe to say it was similar to what they sent to the Vikings to move up and get Williams (picks 32, 34 and 66). It’s also safe to assume the sentiment from 49ers’ general manager John Lynch (h/t to Justin Rogers of The Detroit News) about not envisioning trading Samuel is holding up, at least for now.

"I can’t ever imagine wanting to move on from Deebo,” general manager John Lynch told reporters this week. “You put yourself through the exercises of, even though we don’t have a first-round pick….”We’ve got nothing but love for him and nothing but appreciation for what he’s brought, but you just don’t let guys like that walk,” Lynch continued. “I can’t envision a scenario where we would (trade him).”"

So likely within minutes, once the Jets made their pick (wide receiver Garrett Wilson) at No. 10, the Lions tried to get Samuel, were turned away and made the move with the Vikings for Williams. A quick process like that is definitely not new in a broad sense, but the offer for Samuel adds an extra layer to the Lions’ first round.