Sunday’s win over the New York Giants evened the Detroit Lions record at 3-3-1. That’s a revitalized position for GM Bob Quinn to be in as Tuesday’s trade deadline approaches rapidly.
A loss Sunday almost certainly would have eliminated the Lions from viable playoff contention. It also would have ruled out any benefit of being a buyer at the trade deadline. The win changes that.
Now the Lions can be buyers…if Quinn chooses. Even after potential target Kenyan Drake was dealt by the Dolphins to the Cardinals on Monday morning, there are still some players who are possibly available who could help this Lions team make a playoff push.
Here are four worthy of Quinn at least picking up the phone and calling his GM counterparts about their availability.
Ryan Kerrigan, EDGE, Washington Redskins
Washington is 1-6 and reeling, having already fired their coach and playing QB roulette. They have steadfastly insisted they are not trading Pro Bowl LT Trent Williams, but Skins GM Bruce Allen has to at least consider dealing aging assets for future return.
Kerrigan would be an absolutely perfect fit in Detroit and Matt Patricia’s defense. The 31-year-old has made the last three Pro Bowls, thanks to at least 11 sacks in every season. He’s one of the savviest pass rushers in the league, but also plays the run well.
The Lions’ biggest need is a pass rusher who can create pressure without needing scheming to help him. That’s Kerrigan.
He’s on the books for $11.5 million in 2020. Don’t let the big number scare you; that’s a below-market rate for a double-digit sack contributor, and the Lions have ample cap room to make it work.
Hat tip to Kent Platte of Pride of Detroit for the idea here!
Rashaad Penny, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Penny is a popular name being tossed about by Lions fans to help fill the void of Kerryon Johnson’s season-ending injury. He’s not an optimal fit, but Penny is certainly intriguing.
A first-round pick out of San Diego State in 2018, Penny hasn’t quite clicked in Seattle. He’s fallen well behind Chris Carson in the RB pecking order, and is often behind C.J. Prosise when he’s healthy too.
Staying healthy has been an issue for Penny. He had a hand injury that limited his rookie campaign to just 85 carries. Penny has missed time in 2019 with a balky hamstring. He’s a detriment in pass protection and not a very good receiver out of the backfield, either.
However, he averages 5 yards per carry for his (brief) career, and he can break off big runs that have been notably absent from the Lions offense this season. Penny is locked up through 2021 at an affordable rate, with the team having control of 2022 as well on the fifth-year option. His experience sharing the load would not threaten a recovered Johnson from still getting touches in 2020.
Greg Robinson, OT, Cleveland Browns
You want offensive line help? Robinson is the best offensive tackle who could be on the market.
Really.
The one-time Lion was benched at left tackle for Week 8 by the Browns. Based on how replacement Justin McCray —a right guard by trade — played, Robinson isn’t getting the job back anytime soon.
The 2-5 Browns aren’t exactly in sell mode, but Cleveland GM John Dorsey diligently answers every call. Robinson played well in pass protection in 2018 after taking over as Baker Mayfield’s blindside protector, and he’s been acceptable at keeping Mayfield upright this year too.
He remains a dreadfully ineffective run blocker thanks to his impatience and chronic waist-bending. He’s not better than either Taylor Decker or Rick Wagner, not even close. He might not be better than current Lions swing tackle Tyrell Crosby. But if you want OL help, he’s the best the market likely has to offer.
Really.
Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets
The Jets are reported to be actively shopping several players, including young defensive lineman Leonard Williams and high-priced CB Trumaine Johnson. But the Jet who best fits as immediate help in Detroit would be Anderson, the speedy wideout.
The fourth-year wideout with the unique hairstyle has been the Jets’ most reliable playmaker in the passing game. This season, he has 21 catches on 43 targets, racking up 309 yards and a touchdown. That’s who Anderson is in a nutshell: a dangerous but erratically inefficient target with game-breaking speed but inconsistent hands.
In Detroit, Anderson would slide down the depth chart from No. 1 to no higher than No. 3 in the WR pecking order. That easing of pressure could help Anderson thrive in a more limited role, one currently occupied by Marvin Hall.
He would be a straight half-season rental. Anderson is playing out a 1-year contract with the Jets. That would make him easily attainable, if Quinn wants to boost the offensive potential.
As for Williams, he’s a talented player but completely redundant with Da’Shawn Hand on the Lions roster. With Mike Daniels poised to return soon and Williams on an expiring contract, he’s a hefty expense for a position where the Lions do have some depth. Williams has yet to notch a sack in seven games and his run defense could charitably be called apathetic.
