4 Detroit Lions who could be dealt before the trade deadline

1. DT Michael Brockers

The Lions acquired Brockers in March of 2021, as general manager Brad Holmes leaned into is Rams’ history with another deal after the Matthew Stafford trade. He was acquired on the idea he’d bring veteran leadership to a young team, and be somewhat of a force on the interior defensive line. His contract was promptly torn up/extended.

Since then, Brockers has not delivered on the field for the Lions at all (one sack in 21 games). Not working next to Aaron Donald in Los Angeles anymore has exposed him as an aging player with little to offer (who knew?). He has been rightly losing snaps this season, as he also did as last season went on. Against the Cowboys in Week 7, he was a healthy scratch.

The idea the Lions could or should trade Brockers is not a fresh one. Based simply on wanting to play, and not so much in line to become a serious distraction, he may not be happy about being a healthy scratch. An outright release is unlikely, unless Brockers goes against his grain and becomes outwardly disgruntled. He could simply ask for his release if he’s going to continue not to play though, and the Lions could do him a solid there.

Brockers’ trade value is obviously not great. But it’s worth wondering if he would naturally be better playing on a better defense again, and if other teams believe that.

Even if all that can be gotten in a trade is a conditional late-round pick at some point in the next couple weeks, the Lions should take it and send Brockers on his way to a situation that will hopefully suit him better.

Other Lions who could be moved before the trade deadline: CB Amani Oruwariye, LB Alex Anzalone, CB Mike Hughes