The Lions are expected to win easily on Sunday, which might provide an opportunity to display a potential trade asset.
When discussing what the Detroit Lions might trade before the Nov. 5 deadline, future draft picks are often mentioned. However, there’s a player who could draw interest if his value improves.
James Houston barely made the Lions’ 53-man roster from training camp. He was inactive for two of the first three games, playing just three snaps in the one he appeared in. In Week 4, after Marcus Davenport’s season-ending injury, Houston performed poorly.
Last Sunday, in what might have been his final chance with the Lions, Houston played nine defensive snaps against the Vikings in Aidan Hutchinson’s absence. Pro Football Focus credited him with two pressures on eight pass-rushing snaps but gave him a low pass-rushing grade of 48.1.
The Lions’ internal search for edge rusher help continues, as Dan Campbell confirmed on Wednesday.
Lions could showcase James Houston for a trade on Sunday
ESPN.com’s Eric Woodyard, in his trade deadline analysis for each NFL team, named Houston as a player who might be on the move.
“After an impressive rookie season in 2022 with eight sacks, second only to Hutchinson among rookies, he missed most of 2023. He barely made the 53-man roster this season and has been inactive for three of their first six games. A sixth-round pick from Jackson State, Houston might benefit from a change of scenery.”
Campbell has often spoken about Houston as if he’s not part of the future plans. It feels like he lost a “fight” with general manager Brad Holmes over keeping Houston on the roster. With another team possibly interested in his rookie potential (eight sacks in seven games), Houston is a trade candidate.
Currently, the Lions are 10.5-point favorites over the Tennessee Titans for Week 8 (odds may change). Tennessee, likely starting Mason Rudolph at quarterback again, also traded DeAndre Hopkins on Wednesday.
The Lions should have little trouble with the Titans on Sunday. A big win could give players like Houston, who don’t play much, a chance late in the game, with the added goal of showcasing him for a trade.
Houston has little future with the Lions and needs a change. Ideally, Sunday’s circumstances will lead to his playing more, performing well, and building trade value, which currently seems low.
