Detroit Lions trade rumors: Andy Isabella is likely on the teams’ radar
By Bob Heyrman
The Detroit Lions may be in the market to trade for a wide receiver ahead of the 2021 NFL trade deadline.
The NFL trade deadline is set for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2nd. There has yet to be a flurry of moves around the league, and the NFL deadline is not typically as active compared to the other professional leagues. Part of this is due to the various schemes from team to team. Whether it’s on the offensive or defensive side of the football, each team has different terminology built-in, and it can be challenging to grasp for a newcomer mid-season.
Zach Ertz to Arizona is a good deal for the Cardinals after losing Maxx Williams for the season, plus Stephon Gilmore was expected to be released by the Patriots before being shipped to Carolina for a late-round draft choice. The Panthers also acquired corner C.J. Henderson, a first-round selection by the Jaguars in 2020 for next to nothing.
Detroit Lions appear interested in adding a receiver ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Detroit Lions may be in the market to acquire a wide receiver ahead of the trade deadline.
In an article published by All Lions via John Maakaron, Rapoport suggests Arizona Cardinals pass-catcher Andy Isabella.
"“A team that could be a buyer here at the trade deadline is the Detroit Lions. Yes, I know that they don’t have any wins, but they also don’t have any receivers. They’ve had so many injuries at that position. (They) continue to deal with that. I won’t be surprised if they don’t go out and at least talk to some teams — and they’ve done so already — talk to some teams about acquiring a receiver.”Rapoport added, “One name to watch. I know a player that teams have been interested in since training camp is (wide receiver) Andy Isabella from the Arizona Cardinals. He’s been mostly inactive this season. Talented player. They have yet to deal him, and haven’t really talked to teams about doing so. But, I would expect at least that talk, those inquiries, to ramp up as we get get closer to the next couple of weeks.”"
Isabella has become buried on the Cardinals roster behind the likes of DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, Christian Kirk, and rookie Rondale Moore. Arizona also recently traded for tight end Zach Ertz, who will command a few targets in the passing game each week. There are only so many balls to go around, and the Lions may be able to add Isabella reasonably cheap.
So far in 2021, Isabella has become the odd-man-out, only dressing twice through the first six weeks but has not contributed on the field.
Last season Isabella corralled 21 passes totaling 224 yards, recording two touchdowns in 13 contests.
Isabella isn’t a number one NFL receiver. Although the Detroit Lions don’t currently have a top pass-catcher on their roster, they lack depth after losing Quintez Cephus for likely the season. Tyrell Williams is seemingly not yet close to returning to the field after suffering a concussion.
The Detroit Lions are relying on the likes of Kalif Raymond to be their top receiver along with rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown, and we’re wondering why an already average quarterback Jarred Goff, is performing below expectations.
General manager Brad Holmes won’t be sifting through the trade options leading up to the deadline in hopes of making a splash for this season necessarily; Holmes will be looking for contributors that can plug holes but perhaps help in the future.
If you’ve spent any time watching the Lions this season, it’s clear, Detroit doesn’t just need top-end talent; they also need a host of role players, and Isabella, at 25-years old, checks that box.