In the first round trade-up, the Detroit Lions significantly outbid the Arizona Cardinals.
During the 2024 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions made a big move when they outwitted the Arizona Cardinals to obtain the Dallas Cowboys’ 24th overall choice. A video from the Cardinals’ war room featured this strategic approach, highlighting the heated talks and the Lions’ eventual victory.
Cardinals’ Initial Offer to Move Up
The Arizona Cardinals, positioned at the 27th pick, were in active talks to move up to the 24th pick with the Dallas Cowboys. In a phone call, Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort offered a simple proposal: “We’ll give you 27 and 104 and we would take 24 and 174.”Their 27th and 104th picks would have been traded for the Cowboys’ 24th and 174th picks as part of this transaction.
Detroit Lions’ Aggressive Bid for the Pick
The Detroit Lions intervened with a stronger bid while the Cardinals were deliberating. The Lions suggested giving the Cowboys the 24th overall pick in exchange for their 29th and 73rd picks as well as a 2025 seventh-round selection. The Cowboys swiftly accepted this offer, which exceeded the Cardinals’ offer.
Breakdown of the Lions’ successful trade offer
Using trade value charts, it’s evident that the Detroit Lions’ offer presented a more significant advantage for the Cowboys. The Lions incurred a greater immediate value loss, giving up a higher third-round pick compared to the Cardinals’ early fourth-rounder.
Trade Value Breakdown
Using a variety of trade analysis techniques, it was determined that the Lions’ offer was more expensive in terms of trade value. The Fitzgerald-Spielberger model computed a value of -508 for the Lions, whilst the Rich Hill model suggested a score of -29. This demonstrates that the Lions were prepared to shell out more money to get the player they wanted.
The Lions believed their aggressive drive to get Terrion Arnold was warranted despite the expensive price. They think this is a wise and prudent move because Arnold has the ability to perform better than he did with the original investment.
Cardinals’ Decision and the Draft Night Dynamics
Choosing to remain in their original spot, the Cardinals selected Darius Robinson with the 27th pick. This choice brought to light how difficult and competitive draft-night talks can be. The Lions’ swift action to capture their objective highlights the rigorous off-season tactics that determine the draft results.
