At the Detroit Lions’ headquarters and training center in Allen Park, Michigan, Brad Holmes, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions, talks to the media about the conclusion of their season and what comes next.
The Detroit Lions made only one trade at the NFL trade deadline. Andre Cisco, a safety, was acquired by New York for a sixth-round pick in 2028 from Detroit. It definitely wasn’t the play Lions supporters had been waiting for, and it wasn’t the trade I believed they should have made.
I have covered this club for 13 years. I know the ropes. If I don’t express my sympathy, some of you will believe I’m a paid shill. This is not what this is.
The Lions MUST Make A Trade Prior To The Deadline…
Do I believe the Lions ought to have done something? Sure. I’m not sure if it was a mistake that they didn’t do it. Sure. You have every right to be angry. However, my responsibility is not only to inform you that they failed. I must explain why I believe it happened.
The market for cornerbacks did not exist.
The Lions required a cornerback, and everyone was aware of this. We’ve been talking about that since the beginning of the season. But for weeks, I’ve attempted to convince Lions supporters that there wasn’t a market for cornerbacks. There never was one.
Detroit was unable to acquire Joey Porter, who was on the market. That’s it.
I believe the Lions were fortunate, even though some people may disagree with me on this. Porter just skipped his second game due to another injury after being in Dallas for about five weeks. He’s been alright when he’s performed. Last time out, he had a couple of good games and one bad one. He’s alright. He’s not good enough for the second round. Even a second-round selection in 2028 would not have been a good decision for the Lions. I’d also be shocked if he stays with the Cowboys for an extended period.
A layout of every outside cornerback in the NFL, which is what Detroit needs more than anything, was assembled by us a couple of weeks ago. I was unable to locate many clubs that would actually want to sell.
Cornerback Notes for the Outside Team
Both Max Melton and Denzel Burke of the Cardinals are developing young players. Trading inexpensive cornerback talent is less enticing to Arizona than evaluating them for its future.
Mike Hughes and A.J. Terrell Jr. are the Falcons’ Mike Hughes and A.J. Terrell Jr. Terrell is a major contract, foundational defender. The Falcons are vying for the NFC South title, but Hughes is perhaps more likely. Why take a chance?
Wiggins is a young first-round foundation for Marlon Humphrey of the Ravens. Humphrey is a veteran who has been with Baltimore for a long time, and the team would be hesitant to let him go while they are still in contention, even if his contract entices other teams to make offers.
The Bills are a Super Bowl contender, so there’s no reason to trade anyone. Christian Benford and Davison Igbinosun
Jaycee Horn, Akayleb Evans, Will Lee III, and Mike Jackson of the Panthers are all on injured reserve.
Malik Muhammad II, NFC North rivals with the Bears’ Jaylon Johnson
Bengals’ DJ Ivey / DJ Turner II Bengals are hopefuls.
Ward has said he wants to stay with the Browns, who are in first place in their division and have publicly stated they have no intention of trading him. Campbell is a youthful foundational part.
DaRon Bland/Joey Porter Jr., cowboys Bland is an important defensive player. Since Dallas just bought Porter, an immediate turnaround trade is very improbable.
Riley Moss, Riley Moss If the Broncos weren’t 5-2 and contenders, it would be a maybe on Moss or Barron.
