With less than 24 hours left before the trade deadline, all eyes are on the Detroit Lions. While some fans are waiting for a big upgrade ahead of the second half of the season, the Lions made a minor trade on Monday to add more defensive depth. They gave up a 2028 sixth-round pick to the New York Jets to acquire veteran safety Andre Cisco.
Whether or not this is the only move the Lions make remains to be seen. Lions fans would welcome another trade, but head coach Dan Campbell wasn't willing to commit. When asked about it at the press conference, Campbell said that GM Brad Holmes was still exploring options, but that he didn't know if there would be another move.
Dan Campbell is excited about Andre Cisco, doesn't rule out more trades
Campbell added, "It’s about: is there a piece that could help upgrade us? Is there really, and what is it going to cost you? Doesn’t mean that we’re not still looking; see if there’s something else that makes sense for us. But our unit is playing pretty good football right now....And so, it’s got to make sense for us, and it’s got to be something we feel like it can help us, or it gives us significant depth,” per Erik Schlitt of the Pride of Detroit.
This is boilerplate coachspeak by Campbell. He doesn't want to rule anything out, but knowing Campbell at this point, we know that he would never complain about the roster he has. But at this point, it's safe to assume that a blockbuster move isn't coming. At most, it sounds like another depth addition like Cisco may be more likely.
Campbell expressed his excitement about Cisco's arrival. He talked about the flexibility the former Jet provides the Lions thanks to his ability to play safety and nickel. He also said that they have liked Cisco "from afar" and added, "He's athletic, he's versatile. He knows our system, he knows the verbiage," per team insider Brad Galli.
Cisco worked with Lions passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend during their time in Jacksonville in 2022 and 2023. He has also been playing under Aaron Glenn for the last year and a half. When Campbell is talking about how Cisco knows the system and verbiage, he is likely referring to his familiarity with Townsend and Glenn.
How big a role Cisco will have for the Lions will likely depend on Kerby Joseph's return. Brian Branch was back to his full share of snaps in Week 9, and Chuck Clark has been playing well all season. If Joseph returns to action sooner rather than later, Cisco may end up being more of an emergency backup.
As Campbell pointed out, however, having this type of depth is excellent as we enter the home stretch. Once considered a weakness early in the season, the defensive backfield depth is now a strength for the Lions. Let's see if any other position gets strengthened before Tuesday's trade deadline.
Add us as a preferred source on Google