The Detroit Lions aren’t known for bold moves. Quite frankly, they’ve played it safe regarding free agency and trades for many moons. However, that can all change quickly. Reports surfaced Wednesday afternoon that San Francisco 49ers star, Deebo Samuel, had asked for a trade.
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington confirmed those reports Wednesday afternoon. He spoke to the 49ers star wideout himself. After that was an interesting tweet from Ian Rapoport. The NFL Network reporter listed potential landing spots for Samuel.
The Lions were one of four teams he listed. The others were the Jets, Chiefs, and Packers.
Landing Samuel would be a major move for the Lions. And they have to figure out a way to get him. Logically, any trade for Samuel would involve a team giving up draft picks. The Lions have significant draft capital to make such a move. With the NFL Draft being next week, now would be the time to pull the trigger on such a trade.
In next Thursday’s draft, the Lions hold the No. 2 and No. 32 overall picks in the first round. By all accounts, the Lions plan to hold onto that No. 2 pick unless an amazing offer comes their way.
What about that 32nd overall pick, though?
The Lions could offer the 49ers a package centered around the 32nd overall pick. And it would be enticing because the 49ers do not have a first round pick in this year’s draft.
Like the Giants, Jets, Saints, and Chiefs, the Lions have multiple first round picks this year. So the Lions do have some stiff competition, if any of those teams view Samuel as a missing piece.
However, the X-factor could be if the Lions decided to offer this year’s No. 32 and one of their first round picks in next year’s draft, since they have two. Probably would also need to include a third rounder in there as well.
There’s no need to ask if Deebo Samuel is worth it because he is.
For starters, he’s only 26 years old.
Secondly, there’s his talent level. The Lions will look to land and develop an All-Pro wideout such as Samuel in upcoming drafts. However, with a swiss army knife like him looking for a new home, go grab him now. His production last year speaks for itself.
In 16 games, he had 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns. Along with that, he rushed for 365 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Detroit Lions need all of that. Jared Goff needs all of that.
For most of last season, Goff wasn’t throwing to his ideal targets. He didn’t plan on the team cutting Breshad Perriman before the season started. Perriman, who stayed injured most of the preseason, didn’t make the 55-man roster. And he for darn sure didn’t expect Tyrell Williams and Quintez Cephus to virtually miss the entire season. Williams went into concussion protocol after Week 1. And during Week 2 vs. the Packers, Cephus broke his collarbone.
So in fairness to Goff, he didn’t have much to work with in the first half of the season.
Adding Deebo Samuel would not only provide help in the pass and run game, but it would be extra depth. Imagine this: Samuel, DJ Chark, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, and T.J. Hockenson. That is not only a lethal offense in the making, but it’s giving Goff the best chance to succeed while he’s under contract.
Everything is fresh right now on the trade front. At this time, no reports indicate the 49ers have fielded calls for Samuels yet. When that phone does ring, however, the Lions need to be one of the first calling.
They are more than a wideout away from competing for a division title and playoff berth, but Deebo Samuel would accelerate the process. And with a friendly schedule this year, now would be a good time to be bold.
Follow Kory Woods on Twitter at KoryEWoods.