The Detroit Lions always insisted that they were happy with their roster. Even when things looked bleak earlier in the season, they shut down the notion of making a big move, citing financial flexibility as one of the reasons to stand pat.
Even so, it was still somewhat surprising to see that this team didn't make a bigger move at the trade deadline. Adding Andre Cisco to the mix was a nice start, but they wasted a big opportunity to address their needs at cornerback.
Still, there are two sides to every story. Some players might be thankful to live another day, whereas others didn't get the push they needed. Considering that, let's talk winners and losers from the Lions' rather quiet trade deadline.
Winners and losers from the Lions' disappointing trade deadline
Winner: Juice Scruggs
Juice Scruggs' name was floated in trade rumors because of his strong play and Cade Mays' return from injury. Even so, moving him would've probably been a disservice, as he's been the team's best center and could even slide to left guard if Christian Mahogany keeps acting up. Keeping him was the right call.
Loser: Cade Mays
By contrast, Cade Mays is officially a loser here. The Lions gave him a big contract, so he should have an edge as the starter when he gets back to full strength, but Scruggs' presence in the building gives him no margin for error. Big contract or not, availability is the best ability, and Mays has left plenty to be desired in limited playing time this season.
Winner: Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The Lions had an obvious need for another outside cornerback, and with D.J. Reed's recent surge, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. would've been the odd man out with a move. Now, he's all but guaranteed to continue playing major snaps on the boundary, with Roger McCreary moving to the slot in nickel packages.
Loser: Kerby Joseph
Andre Cisco's addition raised major questions about Kerby Joseph's not-so-imminent return. Was this just about adding more depth to a position of need, or did Joseph suffer a setback in his recovery? Given how much he's struggled to get back on the field and the timing of the move, it might be the latter.
Winner: Isiah Pacheco
Jahmyr Gibbs should be the undisputed frontrunner to win Offensive Player of the Year honors, but he also needed a reliable backup. The fact that the Lions didn't pursue one means that they still believe that Isiah Pacheco can be that guy once he's finally healthy after Week 12. Sione Vaki has played well in recent weeks, though.
Winner: K.J. Britt
The Lions added K.J. Britt in the wake of Jack Campbell's injury, but there were also some rumors about a potential trade for another linebacker. That wasn't the case, and with Campbell likely looking at a long and winding road to get back on the field, it looks like this will be Britt's job to lose for the remainder of the season.
Winner: Sam LaPorta
A Sam LaPorta trade never seemed realistic, but crazier things have happened in this league. The Lions can always keep him on the franchise tag, but the fact that they kept him shows that they're willing to get back to the table and work out a long-term deal that suits him. Hopefully, that will be the case.
Add us as a preferred source on Google