Is the Lions' 2020 Roster Bob Quinn's Best since Becoming General Manager?
Bob Quinn has surely put his stamp on the 2020 Lions roster -- arguably more than any other roster he has assembled since becoming Detroit's general manager in 2016.
He and the organization have made a concerted effort to establish "The Patriot Way" in the Motor City -- something that was perhaps no more clearly evident than this offseason.
Quinn traded for veteran Patriots safety Duron Harmon and acquired a duo of ex-New England defensive players via free agency -- linebacker Jamie Collins and nose tackle Danny Shelton.
The Lions' fifth-year front-office head honcho was also lauded by a multitude of pundits for his efforts in this past April's NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, Georgia running back D'Andre Swift, Notre Dame EDGE rusher Julian Okwara and Buckeyes offensive guard Jonah Jackson through the first three rounds.
But, is this the best roster he's put together during his time in Motown?
Unequivocally, it's a no for me.
A large reason why: The departure of veteran shutdown corner Darius Slay.
You can't trade Slay, arguably the team's best defensive player, and expect to be in a position to lay claim to such a label.
Now, if he wasn't dealt, Quinn would have an argument to make about why this roster is the best one he's constructed during his tenure as general manager.
Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press
His offseason acquisitions have filled a variety of holes.
However, some of those holes were ones he personally created -- as was the case at cornerback after he dealt Slay to the Eagles earlier this offseason.
He signed a savvy vet in Desmond Trufant to help fill the void, along with drafting Okudah. They seem like competent replacements for "Big Play" Slay.
But, was it totally necessary to deal Slay?
Sure, he was disgruntled, and didn't buy into the New England-like, tight-lipped atmosphere in the locker room established by Detroit head man Matt Patricia.
However, you could've just paid the man, as Philadelphia did upon acquiring him (via a three-year, $50.5 million contract).
That surely would've made the 29-year-old more content with the direction of the organization.
And for a franchise that's supposedly looking to turn around its fortunes and become a winner in 2020, it's something that should've happened.
So, for as solid as Quinn's other offseason moves might have been and for as explosive as the offense might be with a healthy Matthew Stafford under center, I'm not willing to say this is the best roster he's assembled since joining the organization in 2016.
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