The Detroit Lions got things back on track with a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. At 6-2, they have one of the best records in the NFL and are looking to cement their status as a contender in the NFC.
To help solidify that standing, Detroit went out and acquired wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones from the Cleveland Browns. The Lions sent a sixth-round pick to the Browns to complete the deal, which was announced by their official X, formerly known as Twitter, account.
This is a deal that makes sense for Cleveland, who used a third-round pick on Cedric Tillman. In the final season of his rookie contract, the Browns flip Peoples-Jones for another sixth-round pick in next year’s draft.
This is a good move for the Lions who suddenly have a need at wide receiver. Last year’s deep threat, DJ Chark, departed in free agency, signing a deal with the Carolina Panthers. Marvin Jones Jr. was signed to help replace him but he is taking time away from football to deal with a personal matter.
Detroit is hopeful Jameson Williams can become their downfield big play threat and develop into more, but he isn’t in the same build as Peoples-Jones. Standing 6’2” and weighing 204 pounds, the Michigan product provides Jared Goff with a big-bodied, contested catch maestro, something the Lions were lacking.
A homecoming for him, he should be motivated to return to an area he knows well. Things hadn’t been going too well with the Browns this season, as he recorded only eight receptions for 97 yards through seven games. That is a far cry from the 61 receptions for 839 yards and nine touchdowns he recorded last season.
While he may struggle to replicate those numbers as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds and Williams are ahead of him in the pecking order, he will receive some opportunities to produce. He fills a need for the Lions, who added another dimension to their passing offense with this deal.