4 Detroit Lions who could be dealt before the trade deadline
As the trade deadline approaches soon, these four Detroit Lions could be on the move.
The Detroit Lions dropped to 1-5 this season with Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys, a game that was closer than the 24-6 score suggests. If the next NFL Draft were this week, they’d be picking first overall.
At a certain point, facing the distinct possibility of a 1-7 record with the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers (albeit both at home) coming, the Lions have to assess themselves as trade deadline sellers. The trade deadline comes after next Sunday’s game, on Tuesday, Nov. 1, so decisions on trading players could be on an urgent docket.
An outright fire sale in Detroit feels unlikely, if only because there are few veteran players who would be firmly on the trade block–even on a 1-5 team.
With offers possibly coming in over the next 15 days, these four Detroit Lions could be on the move before the NFL trade deadline.
4 Detroit Lions players who could be traded before the deadline
4. RB D’Andre Swift
With the news he would miss another game against the Cowboys in Week 7 due to ankle and shoulder issues, and the posting of said news on the page, there was a sentiment from Lions’ fans on the SideLion Report Facebook page to trade Swift.
As easy as it is to dismiss on the surface, the idea of trading Swift at least deserves closer examination.
A second-round pick in 2020, Swift is in the third year of a four-year rookie contract. The Lions have a decision looming on whether to keep him long-term or not. If the best ability is availability, even within the idea he isn’t missing time with minor issues, he has not measured up, now into his third season.
Swift won’t turn 24 until January, so in theory he has some good years left before his shelf life as an NFL running back expires. If other teams think they can figure out why he’s had trouble staying on the field with the Lions, as much as that could even be found out, a trade offer or two could come. He may be able to play in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins, but it’s easy to be skeptical about that right up until inactives are declared next Sunday.
If Brad Holmes gets an offer he can’t refuse for Swift, say a couple draft picks in Day 2/early Day 3 range, would he turn it down?