An NFL writer proposes that the Lions acquire Eagles pass-runner
In the world of the NFL, trades and acquisitions are pivotal to shaping a team’s future success. With every season, general managers, coaches, and executives scour the league for potential moves that can bolster their roster, improve their chances of making a deep playoff run, and possibly position themselves for a Super Bowl victory. The Detroit Lions, a team with an impressive roster and growing potential, should strongly consider acquiring a key player from the Philadelphia Eagles: a pass-runner.
While the Eagles have been a dominant force in recent years, especially with their high-powered offense, the Lions are on an upward trajectory and could stand to benefit from adding a versatile player like a pass-runner to their offense. A pass-runner, also known as a dual-threat running back or a player capable of both rushing and receiving out of the backfield, would add another layer of versatility to Detroit’s offense.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why the Detroit Lions should pursue the acquisition of an Eagles pass-runner, how it would fit into their current roster, the potential benefits it would bring, and how it could help elevate their overall competitiveness in the NFC.
Understanding the Role of a Pass-Runner in the NFL
Before delving into the specifics of why this move would benefit the Lions, it’s important to understand what a pass-runner brings to an offense. A pass-runner, or dual-threat running back, is a player who can both run the ball effectively and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. These players are invaluable to an offense because they offer flexibility and create mismatches against defenses.
In recent years, the NFL has evolved into a more pass-heavy league, and the importance of a running back who can contribute as a receiving option has grown exponentially. A dual-threat back forces the defense to account for both the running game and the passing game on every play, making it difficult for defensive coordinators to anticipate the play call. This added layer of unpredictability often opens up opportunities for other players on the team as well.
A player like this can also act as a safety valve for the quarterback. If the offensive line is struggling or the quarterback is under pressure, the pass-runner can quickly get open and become a viable option for a checkdown, providing a much-needed outlet for the signal caller. In short, a pass-runner is a multifaceted weapon that can provide significant value in both the ground game and the passing game.
The Detroit Lions’ Offense: A Team on the Rise
The Detroit Lions are a team on the rise, with a solid foundation built around their young quarterback Jared Goff, an explosive wide receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown, and a steadily improving defense. Head coach Dan Campbell has instilled a gritty, physical brand of football, and the Lions have made significant strides in becoming a legitimate playoff contender in recent seasons.
However, there are areas where the team could improve. One of the more glaring weaknesses is the running back position. While Detroit has some talent at the position, including David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, neither player has consistently demonstrated the ability to both run the ball effectively and be a significant receiving threat out of the backfield. Adding a pass-runner could give the Lions an edge over their NFC rivals and make their offense even more dynamic.
With Goff at the helm, the Lions already have a competent passing attack, but the lack of a reliable receiving option out of the backfield limits their ability to fully exploit opposing defenses. A dual-threat running back would complement Goff’s skill set by creating mismatches and opening up more opportunities in both the running and passing games.
The Eagles’ Pass-Runner: A Perfect Fit for Detroit
The Philadelphia Eagles currently feature one of the NFL’s most potent offenses, led by their quarterback Jalen Hurts and featuring an impressive cast of skill players. Among them is a pass-runner who could be the perfect fit for Detroit’s offense: Kenneth Gainwell.
Gainwell has shown flashes of brilliance in his role with the Eagles, both as a rusher and as a receiver out of the backfield. He has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field, has great vision as a ball carrier, and possesses excellent hands as a pass catcher. The Eagles have been using him in a variety of ways, making him an integral part of their offense. But, with the depth they have at running back, it’s possible that Gainwell could be made available in a trade.
Here’s why Kenneth Gainwell could be a perfect acquisition for the Detroit Lions:
1. Versatility and Dual-Threat Ability
As mentioned earlier, a pass-runner provides a significant advantage to an offense due to their ability to impact both the running and passing game. Gainwell is the epitome of a dual-threat back. He has proven to be effective both as a rusher and as a receiver. With 5.2 yards per carry and over 300 receiving yards in his first three seasons in the league, Gainwell has demonstrated his ability to make plays in multiple facets of the game.
For the Lions, this kind of versatility would be invaluable. Adding Gainwell would give Detroit a dynamic weapon out of the backfield, providing them with the option to attack defenses both on the ground and through the air. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield would be especially beneficial in the Lions’ short-yardage and screen game.
2. Complement to Detroit’s Existing Running Backs
While the Lions have solid players in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, neither player has the same level of versatility as Gainwell. Montgomery is more of a traditional power back, while Gibbs is more of a speedster who excels in open space. While both players have their strengths, Gainwell’s ability to both run and catch passes out of the backfield would give Detroit a more well-rounded backfield. He could complement Montgomery’s power running style and Gibbs’ speed, creating a balanced and unpredictable attack.
3. A Fresh Start in Detroit
Despite his talent, Gainwell is currently playing behind the likes of Miles Sanders (now with the Carolina Panthers) and D’Andre Swift (now with the Lions). While he has had opportunities to showcase his skills, he may not receive the volume of touches that he could with a team like Detroit, where he could be a focal point of the offense.
A change of scenery could benefit Gainwell, and Detroit could provide him with the chance to shine in a more prominent role. With his ability to contribute in both the running and passing game, Gainwell would quickly become an asset in Detroit’s offensive scheme.
How Kenneth Gainwell Would Elevate the Lions’ Offense
1. A Multi-Dimensional Attack
As previously discussed, adding Gainwell would create a more versatile offensive attack for Detroit. The combination of a strong running game, a reliable passing attack, and a dual-threat back like Gainwell would make Detroit’s offense even more difficult to stop. Opposing defenses would have to account for Gainwell’s ability to make plays as both a rusher and a receiver, forcing them to spread their coverage and open up opportunities for other playmakers.
2. Enhancing Jared Goff’s Efficiency
Jared Goff has been a solid quarterback for the Lions, and he has shown that he can excel when given the proper weapons. However, adding a pass-runner like Gainwell would help take some of the pressure off of Goff. With a player who can catch passes out of the backfield, Goff would have an additional, reliable option to turn to when looking for a quick, easy throw. This would help keep the chains moving and increase Goff’s overall efficiency.
3. More Options in the Red Zone
In the red zone, a player like Gainwell can provide Detroit with a multifaceted weapon. His ability to both run the ball and catch passes in close quarters would give the Lions more options inside the 20-yard line. Whether it’s running the ball for a tough yard or catching a quick screen pass, Gainwell can create mismatches for defenders and increase the Lions’ chances of scoring.
Potential Trade Compensation
While it’s impossible to know exactly what the Eagles would be looking for in return, it’s likely that the Lions would have to offer a mid-round draft pick in exchange for Gainwell. Given that he is still a young, ascending player with dual-threat potential, the Eagles may value him highly, but his role in their offense may not be enough to warrant a steep asking price. The Lions could offer a third- or fourth-round pick to make the deal happen, with the potential to negotiate further based on the circumstances.
A Move that Makes Sense
The Detroit Lions are on the verge of becoming a true contender in the NFC, and adding a pass-runner like Kenneth Gainwell would be a strategic move that could elevate their offense to new heights. His versatility, combined with the Lions’ existing talent, would create an offense that is difficult to defend against and poised for sustained success.
The addition of a player like Gainwell would provide the Lions with more options in both the ground and passing games, complement their existing running backs, and enhance the efficiency of their quarterback, Jared Goff. With their upward trajectory and the right moves in free agency and the trade market, the Lions could soon become a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.
If the opportunity arises, Detroit should not hesitate to make this trade, as it could be the final piece they need to make a deep playoff run and eventually compete for a Super Bowl title.