Is another former Patriot destined for Detroit?
According to Bill Simmons of The Ringer, the Lions could be nearing a trade for wide receiver Julian Edelman.
Simmons dropped the nugget during an appearance Wednesday on The Herd, in response to Colin Cowherd's suggestion that the Patriots are preparing to stockpile draft picks in order to swing a trade in next year's draft for either Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields.
"I'm not against it," Simmons said. "Even Edelman, it seems like he might be heading to Detroit. Is that official?"
"It's talked about," Cowherd replied.
A trade to Detroit would reunite Edelman with Danny Amendola and, of course, Matt Patricia -- not to mention a host of former Patriots on the defensive side of the ball. The 11-year vet is signed through 2021, with cap hits of $9.6 million this year and $6.6 million the year after.
In theory, the Lions have the cap space and the draft capital to make it work. They could send New England the extra third-round pick they acquired from the Eagles in the Darius Slay trade, though that would be a steep price to pay for an aging receiver -- and the Pats might prefer a 2021 pick, anyway. In terms of a one-for-one swap in 2020, a fourth-rounder is probably more realistic.
Beyond the cost, the question for the Lions is about the need. Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and Amendola are their top three receivers. More weapons are always welcome, but where would Edelman fit in?
From New England's perspective, it could be a chance to cash in before Edelman's decline. He turns 34 in May, but he's coming off arguably the best season of his career, with 100 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns. A trade would save the Pats about $8 million against the cap over the next two years. A situation to monitor as the offseason continues.
Simmons also touched on Matt Patricia, comparing him not-so-favorably to Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. Flores was briefly Patricia's replacement in New England before taking over in Miami.
"I like Miami's situation, I think they have a great coach. I was so impressed with him last year, really. Like, he's top six or top seven and put a culture in immediately. It's basically the opposite of what everyone thought Matt Patricia was going to do (in Detroit). He was a bozo and is a bozo and continues to be a bozo," Simmons said. "Flores actually knows what he's doing."
Miami went 5-11 in Flores' first year, but finished on a high note. The Lions are 9-22-1 in two seasons under Patricia.