Tyrell Crosby lifts up Matt Prater, Detroit Lions. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Late Thursday night, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Detroit Lions might move on from right tackle Tyrell Crosby via trade.
With at in mind, we should look at why it makes sense to trade him and why it doesn’t. As well as a few trade ideas that could make sense.
Why it makes sense to trade Crosby
Crosby is on the last year of his deal and if he plays similarly to how he did last season, he’ll look for a starting opportunity elsewhere in free agency. A starting spot is out of the question in Detroit with both offensive tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell in front of Crosby. So, it could be for the best by trading him away now, instead of losing him for nothing in the future.
Also, if other general managers are paying attention, they’ll know that Crosby is entering his prime and deserves to be a starter in this league. And general manager Brad Holmes could find a deal that is worth enough to send Crosby away.
With a rebuild looming, it’s not the end of the world to lose the key depth that Crosby brings to the squad. That might be enough to push Holmes towards a trade, rather than keeping him. Prioritizing a future draft pick or a younger player.
Why it doesn’t make sense
The media will never say this and fans sure don’t talk about it, but depth wins in the NFL. Last season there were over 800 in-game injuries. On average that’s about 25 per team. NFL teams need to prioritize depth in their most important positions because injuries are inevitable. And offensive tackle is one of the most important positions on the team.
God forbid, but let’s say Decker sustains an injury next season. Detroit could move Sewell to left tackle and have Crosby step in at right tackle. The Lions wouldn’t suffer much and could still be productive. What if Crosby was traded?
Well, similar strategy, but the effects are drastically different. Sewell still moves to left tackle and right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai moves to right tackle. That leaves an unproven guard in Logan Stenberg to step in and play. That might be a problem.
So, although winning might not be the number one goal of this season. Signing Crosby long-term would be tremendously helpful.