Bleacher Report has proposed a daring move for the Detroit Lions to strengthen their defense, which would be a wise course of action for Brad Holmes to take this offseason.
This offseason, the Detroit Lions have the opportunity to restructure their team, with a leaky defense probably receiving the most attention.
There’s a possibility for an audacious move at cornerback, which is a significant necessity for this offseason. David Kenyon of Bleacher Report has recommended just this kind of arrangement for the Lions.
“Patrick Surtain II isn’t far from being the top cornerback in the NFL, if he isn’t already. He is without a doubt the Denver Broncos’ most gifted player and was selected to the first team of the AP All-Pro in 2022.”
“Considering that fact, it could seem absurd to trade him. However, Denver is in dire financial shape as it prepares for a rebuild—and that’s before quarterback Russell Wilson’s impending departure ruins the books even more in 2024.”
As it stands, the Broncos shouldn’t be in a hurry to deal Surtain. The Detroit Lions, who had a fantastic season in spite of a serious cornerback problem, might possibly provide them a huge haul in return.”
“Considering that fact, it could seem absurd to trade him. However, Denver is in dire financial shape as it prepares for a rebuild—and that’s before quarterback Russell Wilson’s impending departure ruins the books even more in 2024.”
“Surtain would most likely require two first-round selections or more. But he would be a championship-worthy splash at the Lions’ greatest need if they’re prepared to go for a Super Bowl.”
Kenyon suggested that the Lions forfeit their first-round selections for the upcoming draft as well as a 2025 fourth-round pick.
Without a doubt, Surtain would give the Lions a true shutdown cornerback. The main uncertainty is if Brad Holmes would give up two first-round selections in order to obtain a player of that caliber.
It would be wise for Lions general manager Brad Holmes to think about making a big deal.
A player of Surtain’s caliber would cost a lot of money to deal for. However, the Lions are now in a position to think about going all in.
There aren’t many assurances in free agency on which players will pan out. Last year, Detroit had great expectations for Cam Sutton, but by the conclusion of the campaign, he was having a lot of trouble. Despite Holmes’ strong drafting, a rookie’s ability to integrate and perform well right away is never guaranteed.
A struggling team like the Lions cannot afford to take any chances at a position where they don’t have a good chance of paying off right away, like cornerback. Holmes needs to keep in mind how near the Lions were to a championship this offseason and take actions that will get them closer to rising to the top.
Any trade for Surtain or another top defensive player would be considered one of those moves, regardless of the draft picks the Lions would have to give up in the process. This is the kind of winning blockbuster solution that the trade market may provide to get the defense closer to championship level.