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This page lists all the 2024 Trades for the Detroit Lions. I’ve listed all of the NFL Free Agent Signing Grades here, which included the trades. Because I’ve begun posting polls for the trades, I thought it would make sense to list just the NFL trades here, so archiving the voting would be easier.
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- Total Trades: 2
- Average Grade: A- (90)
November 2024 – Trades and Signings
Lions acquire DE Za'Darius Smith from Browns for 5th-round pick, swap of 2026 6th-, 7th-round picks
It would have been shocking if the Lions didn’t make a trade for a pass rusher at the deadline. They obviously had a big need at the position in the wake of Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury, and they managed to fill that need at a very reasonable price.
Smith is 32, but he’s still playing at a high level this year. He has accumulated five sacks while playing about half the snaps each week. He has also held up well against the run. He’s a perfect short-term fix, and the Lions aren’t giving up much. The 2026 pick swap is inconsequential, so all the Lions are relinquishing is a fifth-round pick this year. Surrendering a fifth-rounder to give themselves a better chance to win the Super Bowl is a great move.
I like this trade for Cleveland as well. The Browns need to be focusing on the future, so a 32-year-old edge rusher won’t be part of those plans. They did a good job of obtaining a fifth-round pick for Smith to help with the rebuilding process.
Grade for Lions – A+
Grade for Browns – A
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
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March 2024 – Trades and Signings
Lions acquire CB Carlton Davis, 2024 6th-round pick, 2025 6th-round pick from Buccaneers for 2024 3rd-round pick
It wasn’t too long ago that the Lions had one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They improved against the run substantially last year, but still struggled to stop the pass. They had to find some help in the secondary, so they’ve begun by trading for Carlton Davis.
Davis would have fetched more than a third-round pick and two sixth-round selections in the past, but he’s coming off a down year. However, Davis, who has been injury-prone, is still young enough (27) to rebound. If he can manage to stay healthy, he’ll be a nice addition for Detroit’s secondary. The risk, however, will prevent the Lions from earning a great grade.
As for the Buccaneers, they’re in a position where it would be in their best interest to dismantle the team and tank. They’re not doing that, but at least they’re picking up extra assets by trading an injury-prone player.
Grade for Lions – B
Grade for Buccaneers – B+
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
