The Detroit Lions are off to a fantastic start to the 2024 campaign, as the team is 3-1 and coming off a bye week after an energetic 42-29 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in Week 4.
Detroit's roster is one of the best in the NFL, as the Lions barely have any needs and are capable of winning a championship this season. One of the needs the team could look to address during the trade deadline is wide receiver, as the Lions lack high-end talent at the position outside of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
Acquiring another high-level receiver could make the Lions the clear-cut favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, so The Draft Network's Justin Melo believes general manager Brad Holmes should trade for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper.
The Detroit Lions offense has been its explosive self through four completed contests. They're currently on schedule to exit their Week 5 bye with the third-ranked offense in the NFL, producing 397 yards per game. Quarterback Jared Goff is overseeing the league's seventh-ranked passing attack (245.8/game).
The Lions have lofty expectations after blowing a multi-score lead to the San Francisco 49ers in last year's NFC Championship Game. If general manager Brad Holmes is going to target a position at the trade deadline, it could be wide receiver. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are the go-to options, and adding another capable wideout like Cooper would make the Lions borderline unstoppable when operating out of 11 personnel.
If the Browns are willing to deal Cooper and the Lions have championship-or-bust expectations, there is no excuse not to trade for the five-time Pro Bowler. Cooper has been one of the better wide receivers in the NFL since entering the league in 2015, producing quality numbers no matter the quarterback's play.
If the Lions paired Cooper with St. Brown and Williams, the team would boast one of the best and most versatile wide receiver trios in the NFL and would have the argument to be the best offense in the entire league.
Trade compensation for Cooper could be an issue for general manager Brad Holmes, as the Lions don't possess a third-round pick and have just one Day 2 pick in their arsenal. Despite this concern, Detroit should inquire about Amari Cooper's availability and strike a deal with Cleveland to land the 2015 No.4 overall pick in the Motor City.
