It has been a crazy week in the NFL. From having to play a game on a Tuesday night due to COVID postponements to some players parting ways with their teams. A lot has happened and, as always, the Detroit Lions always are attached somewhere in the rumor mill. Today, we will discuss the big discussion points/rumors that have been going around. Some seem like they could hold water, others are just a sinking ship. Take a look below.
Matthew Stafford to the Dallas Cowboys?
Cowboy’s Quarterback Dak Prescott went down with a bad compound fracture to his ankle during the team’s 37-34 victory over the New York Giants. He went into surgery later that night and his season has been marked as over. Andy Dalton, the former Cincinnati Bengal, who signed a one-year contract worth $7 million with the Cowboy’s, came in to take Prescott’s place. Immediately, the rumor mill went haywire, trying to link some quarterback to come to Dallas.
Enter, Matthew Stafford. The first overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, selected by the Detroit Lions (who went 0-16 the year before). Stafford’s pricey contract with the Lions is up following the 2022 season, and he has been considered a hot commodity to shop around. However, chalk this one up as a big, fat false! There is no way that Matthew Stafford will end up in Dallas, especially since Dak Prescott will be returning next season, hopefully better than ever.
Honestly, the Cowboy’s can still make their way to the playoffs under quarterback Andy Dalton. They’re sitting at third place in the NFC East with a record of 1-3. But the Philadelphia Eagles are in first place, with a record of 1-2-1. This division just isn’t hot this year, and they don’t need to spend the big bucks on a quarterback to make it. In addition, if Stafford can get back to where he was last year (where he was playing at an MVP level before getting hurt), then I cannot see the Lions getting rid of him. He has made it abundantly clear that he wants to remain in Detroit and win a championship for Detroit. They have a lot of work to do, but unless the Lions really continue this downward spiral, I see Stafford sticking around. Also, Dallas Cowboy’s Owner Jerry Jones stated himself that he is not interested in trading for a quarterback.
Le’Veon Bell is a Free Agent Now. Should he come to Detroit?
Ever since Le’Veon Bell, the former Michigan State Running Back, got released from the New York Jets last night, everyone and their brother has linked him to Detroit. But why? Is it just wishful thinking seeing as he played at Michigan State? Many are calling on the Lions to “bring him home”, but, honestly, I think we’re right where we need to be at running back. We signed Adrian Peterson to a one-year contract and we also drafted rookie D’Andre Swift, a standout at Georgia. With Bo Scarbrough coming off the injured list and being designated as active along with us still utilizing Kerryon Johnson, I don’t think running back is a position to focus on. Our RB’s have played well this season, though it would be nice to see us have a player rush over 100 yards in a game. Collectively they have, but it would be nice to see Peterson surpass it. Maybe this weekend? Jacksonville is notoriously bad against the run. I think the Lion’s need to focus more on defense. Sure the offense does need a bit of work, but the defense also has to get better at stopping the run.
Speaking of Defense, Kamalei Correa May Become Available Soon. Would He Be a Good Fit for the Lions?
Another breaking story last night regarded Tennessee Titans veteran linebacker Kamalei Correa. Correa, who was drafted in the second round of the 2016 draft by the Baltimore Ravens, requested a trade so he can get an opportunity elsewhere. The Titan’s are obliging and are trying to trade him, stating they will release him if they can’t find a trade.
Linebacker is exactly where we could use some talent right now. Correa may not be the best linebacker out there, but he can certainly be a productive player that could fit in well with the Lion’s defensive scheme. The Lion’s could attempt a trade for him or wait and see if he ends up being released, where they could snag him at a bargain. Either way, the Lion’s need to work on their defense as a whole. They have the talent already, they just have to utilize it correctly and capitalize on it. Still, another experienced non-former Patriot linebacker could fit in well.
UPDATE: Right as this was getting ready to go live, Correa was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for 6th and 7th round picks. He’ll have to pass COVID-19 protocols before heading to Jacksonville. He may end up starting against the Lion’s this weekend.
Speaking of Trades, Do You Think Kerryon Johnson May End Up Being Traded?
I like Kerryon Johnson. The Auburn standout has done well in his career with the Detroit Lions. He is still young and is definitely a threat when he is healthy. However, after two seasons ending up on the injured reserve list, there have been some reported concerns in Motown. The Lion’s signed a one year contract with Adrian Peterson to kind of serve as a mentor to the younger running backs. However, Adrian Peterson has just been tearing it up this season and is now the Lion’s starting running back. It is possible that the Lion’s extend an extension to Peterson to keep him around. In addition, rookie D’Andre Swift has proved his worth (despite that dropped touchdown catch). Swift has proven that he can catch a ball as good as he can run it now. With Bo Scarbrough now returning, who played well after serving as Kerryon’s replacement last year, could get some snaps as well. If all went this way, the Lion’s possibly could be shopping Johnson around before the trade deadline. Does this mean he will be traded? No. But, you have to remember, football is a business, and people are always looking at offers. 2021 is the last year on his contract and if the price is right (whether it be for a draft pick or a really good defensive player).
Where Does Matt Patricia Stand?
It’s easy to say that Matt Patricia is on the hot seat. Even beyond that, General Manager Bob Quinn is also on the hot seat. If the Lions don’t turn it around, they’ll both be fired. And if that does happen, everything I said above is for naught. I could see a new GM come in and literally start with a clean slate, trading a lot of players away (including Stafford) and starting fresh with a new franchise quarterback. There still is a good portion of the season left, and the Lion’s started 1-3 during the 2016 season and ended up clinching a Wild Card spot over Tampa Bay with a series of wins (though they lost to Seattle during the playoffs). So, it is still doable. That all depends on what they fixed during the bye week. The season is still young and there is hope for a chance at a wild card. It may be hard to catch the Packers, but there is always hope. The schedule does get a bit easier, but if Patricia doesn’t, at the very least, win against Jacksonville and a struggling Atlanta, then I see Patricia following in the footsteps of Dan Quinn (the Atlanta Falcon’s head coach that was fired last week following a fifth straight loss). Sometimes bringing in a new coach can save the season. We’ll just have to see how everything plays out in the coming weeks. There is still hope, Lions fans!
There’s the rumor roundup for the week. If the price is right, then feel free to sign Bell to a smaller contract. Otherwise, I don’t want to see us really lose any of our big players to trades. So here’s hoping that the deadline comes and goes where we are mostly buyers. After all, we could use some supporting help. When you’re 1-3, it’s not the time to get rid of good players unless we get some in return (not just trading draft picks). Lets just see where the next few weeks take us, starting with this weekend’s game against Jacksonville, which is definitely in the realm of winnable. Then we’ll see where we end up on the trading board.
Until next time…it’s dagger time! Go Lions!
Adventure Brett
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