The Detroit Lions were one of the most surprising teams in the 2022 season, finishing with a 9-8 record. While that wasn’t enough to qualify them for the postseason, they had to take some solace knowing their last victory of the season, on the road against the Green Bay Packers, also kept their NFC North rivals out of the postseason.
Heading into 2023, there are some expectations for the team to take things to the next level. Additions were made in free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft to shore up areas of need, many of which came on the defensive side of the ball.
Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and C.J. Garnder-Johnson will bolster a secondary that was among the least productive in the NFL last season. First-round pick, linebacker Jack Campbell, gives them another upgrade against the run at the second level as well.
Offensively, the Lions look pretty set. They were efficient last season and should continue to be this upcoming season. However, if they were going to make a change, it would likely come in the wide receiver room.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is a star, but the depth behind him is shaky with Jameson Williams set to serve a suspension. Marvin Jones Jr., Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond round out the top four behind St. Brown.
Certainly capable veterans, but no difference-makers in the bunch. That is why Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has suggested that the Lions look to make a deal for Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver, Cooper Kupp.
The Rams need a rebuild and this could be their way of achieving it. Kupp, like the other star receivers on the move, would command a hefty trade package in return. What could a trade between the teams look like?
A suggested package from Ballentine is that Detroit could offer a first and third-round pick (via the Minnesota Vikings) in 2024 and a fifth-round pick in 2025 in exchange for Kupp. Given how wide-open the NFC is behind the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, this could push the Lions closer to that upper echelon.
St. Brown and Kupp would be a deadly duo for Jared Goff to work with and creating chemistry wouldn’t take long. Goff and Kupp played together for four seasons before Goff was part of the trade package to bring Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles.
