The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching. After 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, teams will not be allowed to trade players for the remainder of the 2023 season.
For the Detroit Lions, this is a unique opportunity to act as a buyer. The Lions, who sit second in the NFC at 6-2 with a bye, hold a two-game lead in the division, with the Kirk Cousins-less Minnesota Vikings chasing them for the rest of the season. Certainly, it feels like the window is open for the Lions to make a breakthrough in 2023, but their roster is far from complete.
It's hard to know if general manager Brad Holmes will be proactive in this scenario, or if the Lions will continue to monitor him since he hasn't filled the position during his tenure.
However, as the day progresses, we will update this post with the latest Lions-related trade deadline news and (credible) rumors.
Here's what we know so far (latest information at the top).
Tuesday, October 31st
Despite being given permission to seek a trade, Johnson will remain with the Bears. All eyes will be on whether or not both players will be able to extend their contracts, but the further complication will be that Montez Sweat will also need a new contract. However, the Bears have a ton of cap space.
Lions acquire WR Donovan Peoples-Jones from Cleveland Browns for 2025 sixth-round pick
of 49ers send third-round pick to Washington Commanders Acquire Young and give them a pass rusher to start opposite Nick Bosa. Their already fearsome defense will be strengthened even further in an effort to end their losing streak at three.
Cleveland is one of the better young guards in the NFL, but he is in the final year of his rookie contract and the Vikings weren't expected to be able to re-sign him. This move gives them something to do as well as making Dalton Risner, who started the past two weeks as an injured replacement, the new starting left guard.
The Vikings, who lost Kirk Cousins ​​midway through the season to a torn Achilles tendon, are looking to get through the season with the addition of veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs. In eight starts for the Cardinals this year, Dobbs completed 62.8 percent of his passes, 5.9 yards per attempt, eight touchdowns, five interceptions, and a passer rating of 81.2.
There are no transaction terms yet.
update: The Vikings sent Dobbs a sixth-round pick and a seventh-round pick. First reported by Josina Anderson.
Somewhat surprisingly, the 2-6 Bears purchased Sweat, sending them a 2024 second-round pick. Chicago has a number of draft picks, but Sweat is 27 years old and in the final year of his contract. Obviously, Chicago expects to give him an extension.
Although not directly related to the Lions, the NFC North could lose one of its best cornerbacks, as Johnson requested his departure from Chicago after extension talks broke down, and the Bears will allow Johnson to pursue his options. It seems so.
Monday, October 30th
Lions manager Dan Campbell says it doesn't matter how other candidates approach the trade deadline.
The Seahawks (DT Leonard Williams) and Eagles (safety Kevin Byard) have already made trades to strengthen their rosters over the past week. When asked if that would affect how the Lions approach trade deadline day, Campbell said no.
“No, I don't really think about that. I thought about what we have here now. You know, I talked to Brad and we went back and forth and they can do whatever they want and We can have. Let's take matters into our own hands here.
“I just know this, and I probably said a week ago that I don't know. What I know 100 percent is that we're going to do something or we're not going to do something, but… It's for the betterment of this team and I trust Brad 100 percent that it's the right thing to do, so we'll see how it goes.”
Saturday, October 28th
Lions coach Dan Campbell said Holmes has been exploring options to improve the roster in recent days.
Some will come out. Brad is working hard now. I mean, he hasn't stopped doing it yet, so it will continue.