Roundtable: Did Lions Make Mistake Not Trading for L'Jarius Sneed?

Should Lions have made deal for L'Jarius Sneed?

1.) Should the Lions have made the deal the Titans made for CB L'Jarius Sneed?

Christian Booher: I think the Lions certainly could've pulled off the deal for Sneed, as they had the resources to do so. Yet, I think not making the move could pay off for the organization down the line. The Lions could still add a difference making cornerback in the Draft, and they've already made two additions.

The Lions could be in play to snag one of the top cornerbacks in the Draft, and they won't have to hand out the contract that Sneed will demand.

Vito Chirco: I think you can certainly make the argument that the Lions should have made the same deal since it only cost the Titans a 2025 third-rounder and a swap of seventh-round picks with the Chiefs in the 2024 draft. In my opinion, it was a rather underwhelming return for Kansas City. Plus, Sneed would've instantaneously been the best cover corner in Detroit's cornerbacks room. And, he would've allowed Carlton Davis to slide into a more comfortable role for himself as the team's No. 2 corner. 

I know at the end of the day, though, that the Lions were turned off by the contract terms of Sneed's extension (four years, $76 million). With the amount of cap room Detroit has to work with, however, I think you can still make the argument that Holmes & Co. should've swung a deal for the top-flight cornerback.

2.) What was your reaction to the Lions releasing Cam Sutton?

Booher: Given the circumstances of the situation, I was not surprised. The Lions have been strict about their culture, and the unfortunate situation with Sutton forces the organization's hand. The situation and allegations are not good, so it was best for the Lions to make the decision that they did.

Chirco: Due to the fact that there's been a warrant issued for Sutton's arrest, I think it was inevitable that he was going to be released by the Lions. And, I think Detroit had no choice other than to part ways with the veteran defensive back. 

And don't get me started on the cap hit that the organization has to absorb. That, to me, is not relevant to this discussion. There should be no room on the Lions or any NFL franchise for an individual that commits an act of domestic violence.

3.) Do you think Sutton saga completely changes Lions draft plans?

Booher: I think that it creates a need, but I don't expect Holmes to divert too much from his Draft strategy. He's traditionally prioritized best player or fit as opposed to positional need, so I don't see him reaching for a cornerback or changing his mind too much.

Chirco: I think the Sutton saga slightly changes Lions’ draft plans at No. 29 overall. But, I don't think it means all of a sudden Detroit is going to trade precious draft capital to move up and select a cornerback. Sure, the organization now possesses a void at cornerback. But, I still think more than likely that Holmes will take the best player available at No. 29, whether that be a cornerback, an EDGE defender, a wide receiver or an interior offensive lineman.

Now, will Holmes & Co. take a corner in this April's draft? I say absolutely yes. But, just because Sutton has been cut, it doesn't mean the organization will overvalue a cornerback at No. 29. Simply, it's not Holmes’ modus operandi to do that.

4.) Where does WR Josh Reynolds end up?

Booher: With each passing day, I get the feeling that Josh Reynolds is not returning to Detroit in 2024. He went on a visit to Baltimore and little has been reported about his future. With the Lions affinity for re-signing their players early in the offseason, it could spell the end for Reynolds' time in Motown.

Reynolds is a solid player who will undoubtedly play a big role wherever he winds up. I could see him fitting nicely with the Ravens, and he could also be a nice fit with the Dallas Cowboys who have been quiet this offseason as a complimentary piece to CeeDee Lamb.

Chirco: Based on recent reports, I'm going to say it's not with the Lions. Despite his struggles in Detroit's NFC Championship Game loss to the 49ers, I say he'd still be a good fit as the Lions’ No. 3 wideout. 

Nonetheless, Reynolds reportedly had a visit with the Ravens this past week, and I think he'd be a good fit in Baltimore with Odell Beckham Jr. looking to move on from John Harbaugh's team. There have been rumors of OBJ looking to join the Dolphins. Now, if that doesn't work out, I think Reynolds could also end up in Miami, as the team's No. 3 receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

However, right now, if I were a betting man, I'd say Reynolds ends up catching passes from two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson in 2024.

5.) What do you hope to hear from Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes at Owners' Meetings?

Booher: I'm eager to hear them speak about why they submitted their selected rule proposals. It'll be interesting to see if any get passed through. I'd also like to know what they feel about the proposed changes to the kickoff.

It'll also be another chance for both to offer hints at their Draft strategy, so that will be worth keeping an eye on.

Chirco: I'd like to hear a bit about how the organization plans to address the void at cornerback created by Cam Sutton's release. Plus, I’m intrigued to see if Holmes and Campbell tip their hands at all regarding the Lions’ strategy going into this April’s draft. I think the duo will be mostly mum about the aforementioned topics. However, fans and pundits alike will still be hoping that Holmes and Campbell reveal something of significance regarding the said subjects.