2018 NFL Trade Machine: Brandon Graham to the Lions
By Erik Lambert
The 2018 NFL trade machine tends to follow players who could be free agents in 2019 for one reason or another. Brandon Graham is a name to follow.
A big reason why is the Philadelphia Eagles salary cap situation. If things stand as they are, their team cap will shoot to $17 million or more in the red. In other words, they may have to make a couple roster sacrifices in order to regain flexibility. This is especially true since a big contract for Carson Wentz continues to draw ever closer. Graham stands out as one of their most obvious choices.
The defensive end has been great for them over the years but particularly in 2017. Losing him would be a tough blow but that’s why they drafted Derek Barnett. Graham is entering his 30s, so there’s no telling when his decline will start. Odds say he has 2-3 more good seasons in him. Some team that feels they’re close to competing may feel that’s worth the price to trade for him.
It seems rather fitting that the Detroit Lions are the team that seems like the best fit.
Detroit Lions haven’t found that second rusher to compliment Ansah
One of the most persistent issues that the Lions haven’t solved defensively is up front. They have a stud on the edge in Ezekiel Ansah but routinely fail to put another quality rusher opposite him. Anthony Zettel, Cornelius Washington, and De’Shawn Hand can’t be considered pass rush specialists. So unless one of them suddenly flips the switch, it looks like Ansah will be the lone ranger again.
Graham would instantly change that. He’s a good fit for a 4-3 defense and was tutored by Jim Schwartz, the former Lions head coach who first cultivated Ansah back in 2013. Such a pairing might not have long-term benefits, but if new head coach Matt Patricia is looking to fortify his defense for a run in the near future, this is the sort of move the Lions have to consider.
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It likely wouldn’t cost more than a 3rd round pick and Patricia got a good look at the impact Graham could have during the Super Bowl when the defensive end harassed Tom Brady. Given the presence of Matthew Stafford and a largely veteran roster, Detroit has to think about winning now. Howie Roseman is never afraid to deal. All they have to do is pick up the phone.