Pride Of Detroit: Which NFL Trade Should the Detroit Lions Have Made?

In a column for Pride Of Detroit, the site asks which NFL trade deadline move the Detroit Lions should have made after a quiet period of roster adjustments.

The NFL trade deadline has come and gone with the Detroit Lions making just a modest move, sending a 2029 sixth-round pick for depth safety Andre Cisco.

Cisco had been taken out of the starting lineup for the New York Jets, who sport a solid duo of Dane Belton and Mikah Fitzpatrick at the position. He arrives in Detroit with plenty of playing experience and a knowledge of their system from playing under Aaron Glenn.

Jets Make Their First Trade of the Trade Deadline Andre Cisco Traded to Detroit Lions — Matt O'Leary

Lions coach Dan Campbell spoke about integrating the new addition quickly. “We would like to get him going ASAP,” Campbell said on Wednesday.

“We’d like to get him going. He’s obviously going out to Germany with them. Our plan is to get him going in this game and let him help us a little bit. How much? That’s not quite there yet, but we do have a plan for him to help us,” Campbell told Pride Of Detroit.

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Many fans hoped for a bigger splash, looking for help at linebacker and cornerback positions. Supporters pointed to players like Riq Woolen, Zack Baun, or Donte Jackson as missing targets.

The column notes that it is difficult to critique the front office for failing to land those specific names without knowing what conditions were required, or if those teams offered reasonable prices. Instead, examining trades that actually occurred provides a clearer picture of market costs.

Detroit michigan jameson williams of the detroit lions tries to break a tackle by andre cisco

Recent defensive trades across the league included the Chicago Bears trading for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, the San Francisco 49ers trading for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and the Jacksonville Jaguars trading for defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired safety Jessie Bates, and the Buffalo Bills brought in safety Amani Hooker.

Safety trades drew particular interest, notably the deal sending Jessie Bates elsewhere, though a second-round pick for a half-season rental proved pricey for a Detroit squad getting healthier at the position. Meanwhile, Amani Hooker represents a younger option signed through 2028.

Lions' Andre Cisco says Aaron Glenn told him he's 'in great hands' with Dan Campbell after trade — Brad Galli Show

Hooker carries reasonable price tags of $9.57 million in 2027 and $11.8 million in 2028. Analysts suggested that if the franchise doubts Kerby Joseph will remain beyond the current year, acquiring Hooker could have proved a savvy move for a second-round pick with a fifth-round pick returned.

Another focal point remains the trade that sent Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys for a sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. Despite struggling with injuries in Dallas, Porter’s on-field play matched expectations as a strong scheme fit for a position where Detroit has sought consistency.