Allen Park — Here are five thoughts to end the week as the Detroit Lions prepare to play the Green Bay Packers.
Silly season(s)
I fully recognize the magnitude of this week’s matchup, but if I’m being honest, I just want to fast-forward to November 6.
As it turns out, there are multiple reasons. I, like the rest of you, am done with the political advertisements that have been bombarding us from all directions for several weeks. Asking rhetorically, because I don’t really want to know, but who gets persuaded by those?
More relevant to this publication, that date marks the day after the NFL’s trade deadline. And while speculation and analysis of trade possibilities is quality fodder and good for business, the shark was jumped Friday morning when former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum offered up what might be the most absurd trade proposal I’ve ever seen.
I almost feel bad giving it more attention than it’s already received, but for those who missed it, Tannenbaum suggested the Lions ship three first-round picks, a second-rounder AND running back Jahmyr Gibbs to the Cleveland Browns for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
Let’s be clear, among players potentially worthy of three first-round picks, Garrett under team control for another two seasons beyond this one might be one of those dudes. He’s had double-digit sacks each of the past six seasons, including 46.0 in the past three seasons. A couple months shy of his 29th birthday, he should be able to maintain that high level of production throughout the remainder of his deal.
Would I do it for just the firsts? No, it’s still a little rich. But now you want to add in a second-rounder and a premier offensive weapon under team control for three more seasons? Come on, Mike.