The trade deadline came and went without the Lions picking up a running back, but apparently not for lack of effort.
The team talked at length with the Falcons about a deal for Devonta Freeman, according to Ian Rapoport. In the end, Atlanta decided to hold onto him.
An intriguing would-be trade that was heavily discussed over the past week, but didn’t end up happening: #Falcons RB Devonta Freeman to the #Lions. DET inquired, the sides talked about a possible deal at length, but ultimately, Atlanta just decided they didn’t want to trade him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
October 30, 2019 The Lions have a void at running back with Kerryon Johnson (knee) on injured reserve through at least Week 15. Tra Carson and rookie Ty Johnson got most of the work in Detroit's first game without Johnson, with Paul Perkins and J.D. McKissic seeing action as well. It's not the most dynamic backfield.
Freeman would have added some proven ability, though his numbers are down this year. He has zero rushing touchdowns and a career low 3.4 yards per attempt through eight games. He missed most of last season with a knee injury, and he's three years removed from his last 1,000-yard season.
Lions GM Bob Quinn wasn't going to spend big for a running back apparently on the decline.
Interestingly, the Lions also reportedly made an offer for Broncos cornerback Chris Harris -- and they were the only team to do so. Detroit could have paired the four-time Pro Bowler with Darius Slay to form a lockdown secondary, but its offer didn't meet Denver's demands.
Lions were only team that made offer for Chris Harris Jr. Their offer was not as good as 3rd-round pick. Eagles expressed interest in Harris but never got to point of making an offer. By keeping him, Broncos figure to get 3rd compensatory draft pick for Harris in 2021. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis)
October 29, 2019 The Lions ultimately stood pat at the deadline, as did most teams around the NFL. Matt Patricia said "it goes to show" that trades "are really hard to come by."
"I think everybody knows, we’re here, every team makes calls, every team took calls. That’s what happens on these days," said Patricia. "I like our team. We’re tough, we compete, and we work hard. I think just for us, it’s business as normal."
Detroit enters Week 9 at 3-3-1, needing a strong run of play to seriously enter the playoff picture.
