NFL analyst reaches way too far to name a trade candidate for the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions may make a trade before the Nov. 5 deadline, and there are certainly players who could be on their radar if they have a notable move in mind. In terms of players they would part with in any sort of trade between now and the deadline, the list is short; if not non-existent. James Houston would theoretically be a player they'd trade, but his value is not exactly high right now.

Moving from Week 4 toward Week 5, FanSided's Nick Villano named one player from each NFL team who should be dealt at the 2024 trade deadline. The premise demanded finding one for the Lions, and Villano went with rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw.

"One very interesting option is cornerback Ennis Rakestraw. The Lions took Terrion Arnold in the first round of the draft, also at cornerback. Arnold has been really good to start. He has some bumps, but he looks like the real deal. Rakestraw is a luxury at this point, although he could build into a seriously good tandem."

"The Lions did trade for Carlton Davis this offseason. Rakestraw is looking at a slot corner spot at best, but it’s more likely he has to wait his turn on the outside. It makes sense to use that asset to fill a need the Lions have now."

NFL writer reaches to name Ennis Rakestraw as Lions' trade candidate

The Lions acquired Davis from the Buccaneers as he was heading into the final year of his contract. Signing him to an extension seems pretty likely right now, but that could go either way. So Rakestraw may have a prominent role in 2025, if not before this season is over.

Then there's the matter of Rakestraw's trade value. He played three defensive snaps and 11 special teams snaps in Week 1. Then he was a late scratch due to a hamstring injury in Week 2, and he also missed Week 3. He played in Week 4, but not a lot (eight special teams snaps, one defensive snap). There is some intrinsic value in youth and potential, but Rakestraw simply hasn't played a lot so far in his rookie season.

The Lions are unlikely to trade their second-round pick this year halfway through his rookie season under any circumstance, and unlikely probably doesn't cover the sentiment properly. Rakestraw is off to a slow start because he hasn't played much, but he's seen as a future starter in Detroit until it's shown otherwise.