Lions Fumble at the Deadline — They Could Deeply Regret Passing on Slam-Dunk Trade
Will the Detroit Lions regret not trading for former left guard Kevin Zeitler at this year's trade deadline?
Well, it all depends on how well their backups step up in coming weeks, which several key NFC games against the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, and Green Bay Packers coming up for the Lions in November alone.
The current Tennessee Titan has been one of the teams' lone bright spots this season, and it always seemed far fetched that the Cam Ward-led squad would let a veteran like him get shipped back to Detroit. Still, FanSided's Chris Landers wrote that not landing Zeitler back in the fold could come back to bite the Lions this season.
"This Lions offense has been predicated on its running game for years now, but they simply don't have the horses to give Jahmyr Gibbs the space he needs. Holmes has never been one to make a panic move, but why not at least look for a stopgap to raise the floor a bit? Titans veteran Kevin Zeitler felt like a painfully obvious fit, and I'm not sure why a deal failed to materialize."
Lions might regret not doing everything to get Zeitler back
Landers added in his piece that the exposing game against the Minnesota Vikings, in which the team held Jahmyr Gibbs to only 25 rushing yards on nine attempts, should've been the warning shot heard around the Lions' front office. Instead, they held firm, and are clearly planning on leaning on their depth pieces to get the job done moving forward this regular season.
They have some starting talent hidden on their bench, like Trystan Colon and Kayode Awosika, and they've signed some extra help by adding rookie guard Jack Conley to their practice squad ahead of Week 10 against the Commanders. But, a true veteran with solid pass protection and, most importantly, health, could've made a huge difference for Detroit's offense.
Strong pass rushing and run stopping teams, like that of the Vikings and Commanders, are the perfect tests for the Lions as they have to begin mixing and matching their O-line amidst injury to Christian Mahogany. If their Week 10 game against Washington goes awry behind another weak performance from their line in protecting Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs, expect the noise about the Lions' quiet trade deadline to reach a fever pitch.
BREAKING: New Orleans Saints Release Two Rookies for Unprofessional Conduct and Failure to Embrace Team Culture
In a move that has stunned the NFL community, the New Orleans Saints have released two rookies from their roster due to unprofessional behavior and their failure to fully adopt the team’s culture. Under the leadership of head coach
The decision to part ways with these two rookies, despite their promising futures, speaks volumes about Moore’s commitment to building a disciplined and cohesive team. While talent is important, Moore has emphasized that fitting into the Saints’ culture and maintaining the right attitude off the field are just as crucial as performance on the field.
“We’re building something here that requires everyone to be all in,” Moore said during his press conference. “It’s not just about what you do on the field. It’s about how you show up every day, how you contribute to the team, and how you respect the process. If you’re not committed to that, then you won’t be part of this organization.”
A Culture of Accountability and Professionalism
Since taking over as head coach, Moore has focused on creating a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork within the Saints. Known for his sharp offensive mind and no-nonsense leadership, Moore has worked tirelessly to ensure that every player is fully aligned with the team’s core values of hard work, respect, and unity.
The two rookies, who were expected to play key roles in the Saints’ future, reportedly failed to meet Moore’s high standards. Sources close to the team suggest that their behavior off the field—including missed meetings, lack of participation in team activities, and failure to adopt a team-first mentality—ultimately led to their release.
“Football is a team sport, and this organization is built on mutual respect,” Moore explained. “We need players who are going to be committed to the collective effort—on and off the field. If you can’t be part of that, it’s not going to work.”
Long-Term Vision for the Saints
This decision is more than just releasing two rookies—it reinforces Moore’s long-term vision for the New Orleans Saints. The team is committed to building a championship-caliber roster, and that requires more than just talent—it requires a culture of discipline, unity, and a shared commitment to success.
While some fans may be disappointed with the loss of young talent, Moore’s decision demonstrates his commitment to maintaining a strong, unified culture within the team. The Saints are focused on building something sustainable for the future, and this move is part of that ongoing effort.
“We’re here to build something that lasts,” Moore stated. “We’re not just trying to win this year; we’re building a team that can compete at the highest level year in and year out. For that to happen, everyone needs to be fully invested in what we’re doing.”
Moving Forward
As the Saints move forward, Moore’s leadership will be a driving force in guiding the team toward its goals. While releasing two rookies may seem harsh to some, it’s clear that Moore is focused on building a disciplined, professional team that fully embodies the organization’s values.
With the rest of the roster now looking to prove they are fully invested in the team’s culture, the Saints are well-positioned to continue building toward a successful future. This decision serves as a reminder that no player is above the team, and Moore is committed to fostering a culture that will carry the Saints to sustained success.
Under Kellen Moore’s leadership, the New Orleans Saints are building a team rooted in discipline, respect, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This bold move is just one step in that direction.
