Perhaps something Detroit fans do not want to hear for the Lions is that it may be time to rebuild the roster from top to bottom. An offseason that featured losing all time great receiver Calvin Johnson to retirement, playing a very minimal role in free agency and a conservative approach to the draft it appears the Lions should at least consider, if not already doing so go into full rebuild mode.
At this point, Matthew Stafford’s value on the open market must be a consideration for the Lions.
This is a Detroit team lacking talented players. Besides for a strong game through the air, the Lions struggle in all assets of the game. A strong passing game is well needed, especially with a rookie leading rusher a year ago in Ameer Abdullah, the Lions are going to continue to rely heavily on moving the ball through the air especially with the departure of Joique Bell. As far as the defense is concerned this team has some aging pieces such as Haloti Ngata, Stephen Tulloch, and Glover Quinn. Only a handful of young talent such as Ezekiel Edlliot and Darius Slay.
Being in the same division as an Aaron Rodgers led Packers, young but talented Vikings, and the Bears who are just a slightly better version of the Lions has really derailed any chance of sustained success this team has had. Immediately after the retirement of Calvin Johnson the Lions lost their one leg up on the rest of the division. Although the addition of Marvin Jones from the Bengals will be of assistance he will not command anywhere near the double teams ‘Megatron’ was able to, which opened up the field for the rest of the team. Stafford better pray his Offensive line has improved from last season or he could be spending plenty of time on the ground as the defense will be zoned in on him and their passing game.
Perhaps the only way to improve the this team is by trading its by far best and highest paid This would be Matthew Stafford, the heart and soul of this team, playing through shoulder injuries and disappointing seasons, Stafford hehas proven himself to be a stand up player, but has reached his prime.
The Lions do not look to be competitive in the last few productive seasons Stafford has left; it is time to look at trading him for controllable and talented assets. If a team such as the Eagles was willing to give up all it did for Sam Bradford a season ago, the Detroit Lions should at least be intrigued at the thought of what they may get in return. Although not a popular move, it is a move that must be thought about at least internally within the organization.
Only a few years removed from a playoff birth the Detroit Lions have found themselves in a downward spiral. Another season like last and Jim Caldwell will not be the only one without a job.
