The Detroit Lions didn't make a splash at the NFL trade deadline as many other teams in the NFC did, like the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks. Instead, they released tight end Kenny Yeboah and offensive lineman Justin Herron and signed offensive lineman Jack Conley from the practice squad.
Issues across the roster that could've been fixed, at receiver, defensive tackle, corner, and the offensive line, were not.
Brad Holmes made it clear that there's not an all-in effort on this year's team. That idea, given the major coaching losses this past offseason, isn't without merit. It's just not the biggest endorsement for the current personnel.
John Morton now doesn't get as much protection for the passing game with Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, and Christian Mahogany all currently out. Jared Goff, who, at 31, is neither old nor young, could've used more help for his longevity.
Overall, Holmes didn't do a bad job. This team has an open window beyond this season. And this isn't to downplay Conley, who clearly earned his role through his play on the practice squad. But the reaction to the deadline isn't exactly that of unbridled excitement.
Dan Campbell Didn't Expect or Want a Big Move
Lions head coach Dan Campbell wasn't expecting Holmes to make a move. Campbell didn't seem to be suggesting any either, as far as he revealed.
“I don’t (expect to be active). But that doesn’t mean we won’t,” Campbell said last week. “I mean, he’s (Holmes) brought up a couple of things already. But I’m not -- I’m so focused on the here and now and the roster we have in place, getting these guys ready to go.
“I love where we’re at. I think the roster is healthy, I think it’s in a good position, I think we have depth. But like I say, he’s always looking to improve the roster. That’s one of his jobs, and he does a hell of a job at it.”
The roster isn't exactly healthy. But Campbell's optimism is what'll keep the team in a good position, focusing on legitimate depth on the depth chart.
To him, elevating Conley is the only win needed. We'll see how that plays out over the season's last few months with Detroit sitting at 5-3.