Pros and Cons of Detroit Lions Trading For Bengals Cornerback
The Detroit Lions currently sit with the second best odds to make an appearance in the Super Bowl, through the first seven games of the 2025 regular season.
With the NFL trade deadline rapidly approaching, and the Lions currently on their bye week, the front office can seriously evaluate potential trade targets.
One of those potential options is Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt.
CBS Sports called the trade for Taylor-Britt one the most realistic options for the Lions, and there are a few reasons why.
Among the reasons general manager Brad Holmes could target Taylor-Britt is that he has proven experience in the league, while still being young.
He plays with a physical style that Detroit covets, plays the ball in air, and appears to be a great scheme fit with what new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard requests from his cornerbacks.
While he has struggled in the past, his youth is an asset. The Lions' coaching staff has the ability to practice patience to assist in coaching up areas of deficiencies.
He also would come at a relatively inexpensive price, possibly even as low as a fifth-round draft pick.
On the flip side, the 26-year-old was benched by the Bengals, who do not have a stout defense.
He can get handsy (11 penalties in 2024), and is allowing the sixth-worst passer rating when targeted, per PFF. His coverage grade is currently a career-low.
“You have to ask yourself, ‘why would the Bengals want to trade Cam Taylor-Britt?’ Well, because he got benched for not playing up to the standards that, I have to say this laughing, for the Bengals defense which is not that good,” NFL analyst Ryan Wilson explained. “He is a long, physical cornerback that can get handsy at times, but he does have ball skills. He is going to play primarily outside, they like physical cornerback play in Detroit with Kelvin Sheppard, and I think he fits there.
"The thing is, you have to get him off of those bad habits that landed him on the bench in Cincinnati. The upside for Detroit is you can probably get him at a much cheaper rate than what you might have to pay for someone like Alontae Taylor, and he is still only 26 years old. There is a chance he can turn this thing around and return to the form we saw a couple of years ago, when he was a starter week in and week out in Cincinnati.”
Taylor-Britt shows upside, especially at an inexpensive price. But his season stats have diminished his value for that price drop. That said, if there is any general manager and head coach combination to trust as talent evaluators, it is Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell.
Geno Smith Doesn’t Give Up: "Failure is a Valuable Lesson, Success Will Come When We Keep Pushing"
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is no stranger to adversity. After a challenging start to the season, Smith’s resilience has been on full display as he continues to push forward with an unwavering commitment to his team, his fans, and his own personal growth. In a recent reflection, Smith shared his mindset on handling setbacks and how every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.
“Mùa giải này không hề dễ dàng, nhưng tôi không bao giờ từ bỏ. Mỗi thất bại, mỗi trận đấu không như ý đều là một bài học quý giá. Tôi biết rằng để thành công, tôi cần phải tiếp tục làm việc chăm chỉ, không ngừng hoàn thiện bản thân và đội bóng. Dù đối mặt với thử thách lớn, tôi luôn giữ niềm tin vào khả năng của mình và khả năng phục hồi của đội. Tôi tin rằng nếu chúng tôi không ngừng nỗ lực, kết quả sẽ đến, và khi nó đến, nó sẽ xứng đáng với mọi cố gắng," Smith said.
Turning Setbacks into Lessons
For Smith, the challenges faced this season have only strengthened his resolve. Every defeat or setback is a lesson that pushes him to work harder and focus more on improvement. This attitude reflects the kind of leadership that has helped him bounce back from previous struggles, both in his career and in his personal life.
Smith’s philosophy goes beyond just focusing on the game itself; it’s about personal development and team cohesion. "I know that to succeed, I need to keep working hard, constantly improving myself and the team. It’s about building something together," Smith added. The quarterback understands that every small improvement adds up to a bigger picture of success. It’s about staying committed to the process, no matter how difficult it may seem.
Belief in His Team
Despite the ongoing challenges, Smith remains confident in his own ability and the Seahawks’ collective potential. "I always keep faith in my abilities and in the team’s ability to bounce back," Smith said. His belief in the team’s resilience is a reflection of the leadership role he has embraced, even when things are tough.
In the face of a tough season, Smith’s confidence and ability to remain positive are infectious. His leadership style has earned him the respect of his teammates, who look to him as a role model of perseverance. He’s demonstrated that success is not just about physical ability but also about mental toughness and the willingness to continue pushing forward, no matter what the scoreboard says.
Looking Ahead
With a season still ahead, Geno Smith’s words remind us that every game is an opportunity to improve. The Seahawks, under Smith’s leadership, are not backing down from the challenge. As Smith continues to focus on growth, both individually and as a team, he remains confident that success will follow.
"I believe that if we don’t stop working hard, the results will come," Smith concluded. His resolve to keep pushing, even in the face of adversity, embodies the very essence of what it takes to be a leader in the NFL.
As the Seahawks move forward, Geno Smith’s determination and leadership will continue to play a crucial role in their efforts to turn their season around. His mentality—of learning from every setback and trusting the process—will undoubtedly inspire his teammates as they continue their quest for victory.
