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Lions Address Key Offensive Need with Trade for Wide Receiver

By Vinnie Portell

Oct 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (11) celebrates after San Francisco 49ers place kicker Jake Moody (not pictured) missed a field goal during the final seconds of the game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (11) celebrates after San Francisco 49ers place kicker Jake Moody (not pictured) missed a field goal during the final seconds of the game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Lions made a move to further entrench themselves as NFC North favorites an hour before the NFL Trade Deadline on Tuesday afternoon, trading a 6th round pick for Browns WR Donovan Peoples-Jones per ESPN.

The move to add a receiver shouldn’t come as a surprise for dedicated Detroit fans who have watched the production behind Amon-Ra St. Brown.

But does this move actually move the needle for the Lions this season? Let’s discuss.

Lions Trade for Donovan Peoples-Jones

Let’s start off with the cost of doing business.

The Lions had to give up a sixth round pick, and while that may seem like nothing, it’s worth considering that Detroit still employs EVERY SINGLE player that general manager Brad Holmes has selected in the NFL Draft.

Now let’s consider what message this sends to the team and fans.

How long has it been since the Lions made a move to ADD talent at the deadline? In past years, Holmes has shipped off Matthew Stafford and TJ Hockenson to help rebuilding efforts, but this move clearly signals that the rebuild is officially over.

As far as his impact on the field, don’t overlook Peoples-Jones.

The Lions have had outstanding production from St. Brown and some solid contributions from Josh Reynolds (397 yards, 3 TDs), but the talent drops off FAST after that.

Second-year player Jameson Williams still needs time to work on his hands and Khalif Raymond is too small to pose as a threat on the outside.

In comes Peoples-Jones.

The fourth-year player is listed at 6-foot-2, 204 pounds and has proven to be a strong second or third receiver. Last season, he hauled in 61 receptions for 839 yards and 3 TDs as the No. 2 WR to Amari Cooper.

Peoples-Jones hasn’t been as impactful this season due to Cleveland’s suspect passing game (97 yards, 0 TDs), but that doesn’t mean he’s washed up at just 24-years-old.

I personally can’t wait to see what Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson draws up for Peoples-Jones.

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