Lions' chances of landing the perfect trade target might be better than you think
After stumbling out of the gates to begin the 2025 NFL campaign, the Detroit Lions are who we thought they were: Super Bowl LX contenders. However, at this rate, their struggles in the secondary could prevent them from winning when it matters most.
The Lions need defensive back help, even with the looming returns of All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph and 2024 first-round cornerback Terrion Arnold. Knowing this, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen list Detroit as a fit for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, who reportedly might be available.
Acquiring someone of Woolen's caliber may sound like a pipe dream to Lions fans, though it ostensibly isn't as far-fetched as perceived; have faith, Detroit! Fowler and Bowen give Woolen a 50 percent chance of getting dealt ahead of the league's Nov. 4 trade deadline.
Lions' odds of landing Seahawks CB Riq Woolen could be better than Detroit fans expect
Woolen's inconsistencies are partly why he's being floated as someone who could be on the move in the coming days. Nevertheless, upon seeing the highs and the lows, it feels fair to say the upside is worth chasing. Fowler and Bowen would seemingly agree, considering he's No. 4 among their 25 "best possible trade candidates."
Coin flip odds to get rerouted, with the Lions being mentioned as one of four prospective suitors? While Fowler and Bowen's words aren't gospel, execs have "earmarked [him] as a strong trade candidate leading into the deadline," the former wrote. The Detroit faithful will certainly take those chances.
At his best, Woolen has functioned as an elite playmaking ball hawk. He was one of just four players to record six interceptions as a rookie in 2022, including a pick-six, and added 16 pass deflections. His immediate breakout culminated in a Pro Bowl nod and third-place Defensive Rookie of the Year finish.
It's been an up-and-down experience for Woolen in Seattle since bursting onto the scene as a pro, to say the least. He's in the final season of his rookie contract and is a candidate to walk in free agency this offseason. The head coach who drafted him is no longer with the Seahawks. Put it all together, and it's easy to envision the two sides going their separate ways, and Detroit is arguably the ideal landing spot.
Fowler argues that "Woolen would be best served going to a team that can use his man-coverage traits." Well, the Lions drop back in man coverage at the fourth-highest rate in football through their first seven games (h/t Fantasy Points' data suite [$]).
Tom Brady Proves He Can't Stay Away from Football: “I’m Not Done Yet” in Shocking New Announcement
In a bombshell announcement that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Tom Brady, the minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, has made it clear that he’s far from finished with football. The legendary quarterback, who retired earlier this year, revealed in his latest statement that he simply can't stay away from the game, fueling rumors of a potential return to the field.
“I’m not done yet,” Brady declared in a statement that has left fans and analysts buzzing. "Football is in my blood. The passion is still there, and while I may be wearing a different hat as part of the Raiders organization, I’m always ready to step back on that field when the time comes."
The announcement has raised eyebrows across the league, with many questioning whether Brady’s legendary career is truly over. Despite his previous retirement, Brady's unwavering love for the game and competitive drive may be pushing him toward a return to action—potentially with the Raiders.
"Being part of this organization, I’ve realized just how much I miss the grind, the preparation, and the competition," Brady continued. "I’ve seen the hunger in the Raiders' locker room, and it fires me up. Who knows what the future holds?"
Brady’s statement has sparked a frenzy among NFL fans, with social media lighting up with speculation about his next move. Could the greatest quarterback of all time be coming out of retirement once again? And if so, could he be making another run at the NFL title, this time with the Raiders?
One thing is certain: Tom Brady's connection to football is far from over, and the world is watching to see if he makes another legendary comeback.
