If the Detroit Lions make a move ahead of the 2024 NFL trade deadline next month, they will almost certainly be adding a player, not trading one away. And, if they do trade someone away, it won't be anyone significant.
However, one NFL analyst apparently disagrees with that logic. In an article naming one player each team should trade, FanSided's Nick Villano thinks the Lions should trade 2024 second-round pick and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Villano's reasoning isn't totally out there, though. He thinks the Lions could use Rakestraw Jr. as a chip to land a player who can help them now.
"One very interesting option is cornerback Ennis Rakestraw," Villano writes. "The Lions took Terrion Arnold in the first round of the draft, also at cornerback. Arnold has been really good to start. He has some bumps, but he looks like the real deal. Rakestraw is a luxury at this point, although he could build into a seriously good tandem.
"The Lions did trade for Carlton Davis this offseason. Rakestraw is looking at a slot corner spot at best, but it’s more likely he has to wait his turn on the outside. It makes sense to use that asset to fill a need the Lions have now."
Rakestraw is currently serving as the Lions' top backup in the cornerbacks room, so he has barely seen the field over four games.
The problems with pointing to Carlton Davis as the reason the Lions can afford to part with the rookie is the fact that the veteran has an injury history and is on the final year of his contract. If the Lions deal Rakestraw and Davis gets hurt, they'll have a problem. The same can be said if Detroit fails to re-sign Davis in 2025.
Chances are the Lions are going to hold on to the second-round pick, barring a trade they simply can't pass up on. Detroit views Rakestraw as a long-term starter down the line, and as a strong depth option for now.
