The Detroit Lions should trade for Malcolm Mitchell

Reports have come out saying the New England Patriots is seeking a potential trade partner for receiver Malcolm Mitchel. Could the Detroit Lions potentially swing a trade with the Patriots?

Malcolm Mitchell‘s career started off on a high note. The New England Patriots drafted him in the fourth round back in 2016. He caught 32 passes for 401 yards and four touchdowns as the Patriots third/fourth receiver as a rookie. Since then, it has been a rough go around.

During the 2017 offseason, he was dealing with knee issues. He ended up landing on injured reserve. He returned but the Patriots decided to bring him along slowly and not rush him back into action. The result was a lost 2017 season.

His inability to stay healthy in a crowded receiver corps does not serve him well. It looks like the Patriots want to move on from Mitchell.

Lions take

The Detroit Lions and Patriots have a history of trading with one another. The Kyle Van Noy trade and the several trades made in the draft show a pattern. I think they could come to an agreement to bring Mitchell to Detroit if the Lions want him. With Mitchell’s health issues it wouldn’t cost a ton to bring him in. The likely cost is a late Day 3 draft pick maybe even a conditional pick based on games played.

The problem is his lingering knee injury. It has been a problem ever since his days at Georgia. He tore his ACL back in 2013 and had an additional surgery in 2014.

The Lions are set at receiver with Marvin Jones, Golden Tate, Kenny Golladay. Looks like the fourth receiver job is T.J Jones‘ job to lose. But the fifth receiver spot is wide open. If he can pass a thorough physical, he might be worth the gamble.

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The favorites so far to win the fifth receiver job would have to be either Jace Billingsley or camp darling Teo Redding. Billingsley has had problems sticking to the roster the last two seasons and Redding is an undrafted free agent. If the Lions feel like neither one of them can fill that position, Mitchell could fill that role.

He could also be a nice insurance policy in case of injuries. With his ability to play anywhere on the field with his big body, athletic ability, and strong hands; he could fill for one of the receivers in case something happens.

There is also the long-term future at receiver to look at. Golden Tate is on the last year of his contract and might test the free agent waters with what slot receivers are getting on the market. T.J Jones only signed a one year deal this offseason, so he might be gone at the end of this year. If the Lions were to lose both, MItchell could soften the blow and shore up a receiving corps with only two guaranteed players on the roster for next year.

Mitchell will be cheap since he is still under his rookie contract. The Lions could get an effective receiver under a reasonable contract giving Detroit some cap flexibility.

Expectations are the Patriots will make a decision about Mitchell’s status in the next couple days. There could waive him or come to an injury settlement, but then other teams will be competing for Mitchell’s service if they want him. So if the Lions want him, they might have to make the trade.

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Mitchell could be nice to have in case injuries occur with his ability to play any receiver role. If the Lions lose both Tate and Jones to free agency, he could fill the vacant spot next year. Since he is still under his rookie contract he is cheap. The only problem is his lingering knee issue. If he is healthy, he could be worth the gamble of a conditional late round pick for his services.