Grading Lions' Trade for WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
The Detroit Lions acquired wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick Tuesday, less than an hour before the NFL's trade deadline.
The decision came as a surprise, as speculation surrounding the team indicated that it would look to add a player on the defensive side of the ball.
Peoples-Jones will join a receivers room that is headlined by Amon-Ra St. Brown, and features players such as Josh Reynolds, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond.
However, the unit was down a member after Marvin Jones departed the team last week to handle a personal matter. As a result, the Lions sought to address their depth.
In Peoples-Jones, the Lions are acquiring a versatile wideout who has seen his role shift throughout his time with the Browns. As a 2020 sixth-round pick, his production has varied.
This season, he has just eight catches for 97 yards. Last season, however, he hauled in 61 passes for 839 yards and three touchdowns. In the immediate sense, he will provide valuable depth, with the potential to be a key contributor.
"I think you always feel like you're one injury away. That was a position we felt like, if we can find a steady, reliable guy that fits us, can play outside, that was something we felt like really fit us," Campbell said. "We feel like he fits our style and he's smart and he can play multiple positions. He plays everything for them out there. So, we just feel like he'll be a good fit for the team and the room."
Still just 24 years old, Peoples-Jones brings a similar skill set to Jones. He is capable of playing on the outside and winning contested catches, two traits that were vacated by Marvin Jones' departure.
Peoples-Jones has also handled punt return duties at times, posting 61 punt returns for 479 yards and one touchdown in his career. Though Raymond has handled those duties for the better part of three seasons, the Michigan product can offer insurance.
This is a low-risk deal for the Lions, as the compensation won't hit until next season and is just a late-round pick. Meanwhile, Peoples-Jones has upside, and can be an impactful player for the offense.
He's a free agent at season's end, so Detroit will have to make a decision on its investment moving forward after the season. There's potential for him to be an impact player beginning in Week 10.
Though specifics of his role are to be determined, it's clear the Lions needed depth at their receiver position. It's a safe deal that has little impact on Detroit's future, both immediate and long-term.
It can be interpreted as underwhelming by the fanbase, as many clamored for the team to acquire defensive help. Other contenders in the NFC -- Seattle, Philadelphia and San Francisco -- all added significant help on defense.
Peoples-Jones has carved out a solid career, however, and will be looked at to contribute. The trade is a touch surprising, but I believe there's potential for it to wind up being a big one for Detroit's short-term success.
As a result, I'm giving the trade a passing grade. Peoples-Jones isn't a franchise-altering acquisition, but he can wind up becoming a solid player who helps the offense significantly moving forward.
Grade: B-
