The Detroit Lions are fully engaged in the offseason.
The Lions finished a season where they secured the top seed in the NFC, but were knocked out in their Divisional Round game against the Commanders. Up to this point, the most significant impact has been the acquisition of D.J. Reed, but it was countered by the departure of Carlton Davis III to the Patriots.
One thing the Lions have not done so far is engage in any trades. Which players could the Lions trade to enhance their roster in an effort to break through? PFF and Spotrac present two unexpected contenders: Amik Robertson and Alex Anzalone.
Amik Robertson was the leading PFF candidate, stating, “the Lions responded to the departure of Carlton Davis III by acquiring D.J. Reed with a substantial contract, yet there is a lengthy roster of defensive players in the final year of their deals. Robertson appears to be one of the more probable players to be traded.
During his initial year in Detroit, Robertson produced a 62.2 PFF coverage grade alongside an impressive 89.7 PFF run-defense grade. Considering that the Lions selected Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round last year, the team is likely to give him more playing time this year — possibly by trading Robertson.
Robertson is a notable trade prospect, as the experienced cornerback is among the more seasoned players in the secondary. The ex-Raider will be 27 in July. Rakestraw (who will be 23 in June), Terrion Arnold (22), Brian Branch (23), and Kerby Joseph (who turns 25 in November) form the youthful foundation of an evolving defense.
Furthermore, the Lions have added Avonte Maddox (turning 29 in March) and Rock Ya-Sin (turning 29 in May) to enhance their depth. Either could take on a larger role if Rakestraw isn’t prepared to come back from his injury or if the second-year defensive back falls short of expectations. Nevertheless, both Maddox and Ya-Sin are under one-year contract arrangements.
Nonetheless, Rakestraw possesses limited experience and has a history of injuries from the previous season. Maddox and Ya-Sin have not demonstrated their capability as starters before, as the duo has made only six total starts in the past two seasons.
Between Robertson and Anzalone, Robertson might be the more suitable option for a trade. That being said, it would be far too premature to assume Robertson has finished his final game in Honolulu Blue without a significant compensation.
Anzalone is the less probable candidate, yet there are reasons to consider trading him. The linebacker is in the last year of his contract and is presently the oldest player in the position group. Furthermore, the Lions have brought in Grant Stuard through free agency and have re-signed Derrick Barnes to a multi-year deal.
Nonetheless, there are numerous disadvantages. Anzalone received the highest grade among Lion linebackers in pass coverage last year, and alongside Jack Campbell, provided Detroit with two top-20 coverage linebackers for 2024.
When Anzalone was sidelined due to a fractured forearm, his absence was felt. During the regular season, any game that featured an opponent with a multi-touchdown passing display occurred while the Florida player was sidelined due to injury.
“Plus, we recognize he’s an incredible player, and Alex, in my opinion, performed excellently.” “I’m not reviewing their footage or anything, but it seemed to me that he was performing quite well, and he brings a lot of energy,” Jared Goff stated, according to MLive. “He adds tremendous energy to the defense, he’s a leader, he’s a captain, having him back on the field is significant.”
In that match, Anzalone restricted T.J. Hockenson, allowing the ex-Lion to make only two catches for eight yards on nine attempts.
“It (his performance) was massive. “Listen, I’ve mentioned it previously; he’s truly our defensive quarterback,” Dan Campbell stated following the season’s last game. “He’s our defensive quarterback, and you know, he really brings a lot of confidence.” He contributes a great deal of energy. “He is able to soothe the tempests.”
He has been embedded in the Lions organization for four seasons as well. Anzalone might have more years, but he offers invaluable veteran leadership and locker room influence that is hard to acquire through another trade or a top draft selection the Lions could obtain later.
The staff views both players as highly valuable, and their asking price would indicate that if either is traded this spring. The hope would be that if they have truly played their final game as Lions, the comeback energizes the fanbase.