Read more about five potential trades the Detroit Lions could pull this offseason.
The Detroit Lions have a lot of decisions to make going into the 2022 offseason.
General Manager Brad Holmes and Company are looking to rebuild the organization into a winner, a position he has held only fleetingly in recent memory.
One way to do this would be to exchange some of the team's up-and-coming talent for more draft picks. Although the Lions ended 2021 with only three wins, there are a number of talented options that could be attractive to opposing teams.
Below are five of Lions' most tradable assets and what they can command in fictitious deals
Taylor decker
Trade: Decker to Cincinnati Bengals for 2022 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 134 Overall) and 2023 Third-Round Pick
After missing the first half of the 2021 season due to a finger injury, Decker returned to action and did well. He proved that he was still among the top linemen in the division, and was steady during his time on the field.
Decker's credibility gives him value, and the Lions have young offensive linemen in Penny Sewell and Matt Nelson who have proven they are capable of leading the charge.
By trading him to the Bengals, the team can add a draft pick in a round where it doesn't currently have one, while giving its trade partner a veteran substitute for star quarterback Joe Burrow's safety.
In this trade, the Bengals can hold onto their first-round picks and add another to their line while simultaneously bringing in a seasoned piece.
TJ hawkenson
Trades: Hockenson to the New York Jets for 2022 second-round pick (numbers 38 overall through Carolina), fourth-round pick (compensatory selection) and 2023 third-round pick
Hockenson is another proven player who has been very good when it comes to health. In one of his healthy seasons, he was a pro bowler. The Iowa product was enjoying a very productive campaign in 2021 before the injury subsided.
This trade substantially compensates the Lions, with two in the upcoming draft and one in the future. Meanwhile, it gives young Jets quarterback Zach Wilson an asset in the passing game. It will also make it clear to the Lions the major commitment they are going to make after the 2023 season when Hockenson's contract expires.
D'Andre Swift
Trade: Swift and No. 32 for Buffalo Bills 2022 first round pick (number 25 overall), third round pick (number 57 overall), fifth round pick (number 168 overall) and 2023 second round pick
Trading someone who was the crime's best playmate last season doesn't make any sense unless it's for a race. In this case, passing can be great. The Bills could benefit from adding a playwright like Swift, and he may be willing to leave the set of this choice to do so.
Swift is on a very team-friendly contract, so the Bills won't be in a hurry to commit to walking back. Meanwhile, the additional draft assets will give the Lions more opportunities to pick one of the top backs available, while the immediate play-making will allow the contributor to add some picks early by swapping the No. 32 overall pick for pick No. 25. .
Will Harris
Trade: 2022 seventh-round pick for the Houston Texans from Harris (No. 248 overall)
Harris has seen his ups and downs while playing in Detroit. He was exposed to the issues and problems of tracking downfield plays and taking poor angles. However, he enjoyed a solid end to the season after being transferred to the cornerback.
In this scenario, he gets a change of scenery while the Lions add an additional late-round pick. This gives Holmes another chance to find a gem at the end of the draft while Harris gets to essentially start over with a new team early in his career.
Austin Bryant
Trade: Bryant for the 2022 fifth-round pick for the Indianapolis Colts (number 157 overall)
In limited action, Bryant has proven to be a steady contributor to the Detroit Lions. He got his first extended action in 2021, scoring 4.5 sacks in 14 games. Colts need shore help and may be willing to part with one of their few likes to get it.
By adding Bryant, the Colts could swap a pick for a player who looked like he might be ready for a breakout. Detroit could be drafting an EDGE rusher with their first pick in 2022, and the Lions could be ready to bring Bryant to the business market, along with Trey Flowers, Romeo and Julian Okwara, and potentially Charles Harris.