As part of a very open and candid interview — and there is no other kind with him — with Chris Spielman in the Detroit Free Press, Dave Birkett asked the legendary Lions LB about the prospect of the team making a trade for Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
If you’re someone who advocates for Ramsey, you’re really not going to like Spielman’s answer…
“No way. No. Not for two first-round picks. I’d have to clothesline Bob Quinn if he’s walking to the phone to give up two first-round picks. I think they’re doing fine at corner right now.”
Birkett seemed taken aback by Spielman’s revulsion, so he asked him to explain it more. Spielman obliged,
It’d have to be a long-term deal and you’d have to sign an extension or whatever because when he’s 27 is he going to start the same thing holding me hostage again? So I’m going to be very careful if I’m giving up first-rounders. There’s no way I’m giving up a first-rounder. It’d have to be – the only guy I’d give up a first-rounder is if I desperately needed a quarterback and I knew I had a chance to win, then I’d entertain giving up a first-rounder. That’s just me. That’s my philosophy. I’m not saying I’m right or wrong, but I’m not giving up first-rounders.
The concept of Ramsey not changing his stripes and pulling the same act with the Lions that he’s doing with the Jaguars is something that jumped out right away to Spielman. It’s something other former NFL players, including ex-Lions OL Damien Woody and QB-turned broadcaster Brady Quinn, have mentioned as well in public broadcasts.
Birkett’s interview with Spielman covers a broad range of observations and is definitely worth your time.
