Most of the focus when it comes to the Detroit Lions as the trade deadline gets ever closer is on who they might acquire, and what kind of draft pick(s) it may take to get (insert name of choice).
But what about any players they could trade, as part of a package for a coveted edge rusher or otherwise, or that other teams might have interest in? It's seemingly a very short list, and not because the Lions don't have a lot of appealing talent. It's more about what it would take to get said player(s), to say nothing of how the Lions view players they consider "their guys." We don't need to list the Lions players who are absolutely untouchable, but the list stretches long.
So with that in mind, as speculation may stretch for names to put out there, the Lions will not trade any of these players under any circumstances before the trade deadline.
4 players the Lions will not trade before the deadline
4. RB David Montgomery
3. RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Only because a delusional former NFL general manager (emphasis on "former", as at least one Lions fan has reminded me) brought him up in a ludicrous trade proposal, let's just say "NO" on Gibbs, no matter who can be acquired.
Might as well loop Montgomery in here too. "Sonic and Knuckles" will not be separated before the trade deadline, or at any time in the foreseeable future.
2. QB Hendon Hooker
In a very broad sense, a case can be made for Hooker as a trade chip to acquire an edge rusher if it came down to that. His future in Detroit is cloudy at best, as a older prospect coming out of college in 2023 and with Jared Goff's new contract extending into the future like it does-which is beyond Hooker's rookie contract, and to his (Hooker's) age-30 season.
But it's also hard to see there being a ton of interest in Hooker on the trade market right now, or his inclusion (or not) being a tipping point in talks of a larger deal. The Lions can, and should, invest more time in his development before he becomes a really viable trade asset.
The time to trade Hooker is likely to come, but this year's trade deadline is not it.
1. WR Jameson Williams
Williams landed in the news for the wrong reasons again this week, when WXYZ reported the Detroit Police Department is investigating why he was released from custody in attachment to a gun-related incident on Oct. 8. The Lions are keeping their faith in him right now, on close heels of getting a two-game performance-enhancing substance suspension and after he was suspended four games for violating the NFL's gambling policy last year.
That patience and leeway with Williams may run out. But it won't run out anytime real soon, and certainly not before Tuesday's trade deadline.