The Detroit Lions are searching for answers after trusty No. 2 receiver Nate Burleson broke his arm in a car accident early Monday morning. The wide receiver was driving home and was the victim of a single-car crash. Burleson will undergo surgery, meaning he is likely out for a number of weeks. This leaves the Lions seeking a trade before the deadline of Week 8.
Tim Twentyman of the Detroit Lions' website reports the team has been in contact with a number of teams in search of a trade for another wide receiver. With Burleson out, the Lions have an issue with depth at the position. Calvin Johnson is of course the No. 1 guy. Ryan Broyles is expected to take over the slot position. The second-year receiver is recovering from a torn ACL and the team was hoping to ease him slowly back into football. Patrick Edwards has been hampered by an ankle injury and Kris Durham is too inconsistent to count on as a reliable threat.
While it has not been said who the Lions have talked with, speculation can include a number of players. The obvious option is either Josh Gordon or Greg Little of the Cleveland Browns. While head coach Rob Chudzinski insisted that both Gordon and Little are safe, this type of thing has been seen before. The Browns proved they are not afraid to send players packing regardless of their draft status. Just ask Trent Richardson. If the Lions are going to execute a successful trade, the Browns are likely the first team they contact.
Another option could be the Tennessee Titans and Kenny Britt. The wide receiver has fallen out of favor with the Titans. Just two weeks ago, he was benched for sloppy route running and recording numerous drops. He spoke out against the coach's decision, hurting his status even more. On Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, rookie Justin Hunter was clearly the top target for Jake Locker as Britt spent more time on the sidelines.
Gordon would be very costly for the Lions. He was a second round draft pick in the Supplementary draft, but he has proved to be a threat after putting up 146 yards against the Minnesota Vikings. As of now, he is the Browns best offensive performer. Little might be cheaper. The Lions could likely give up a low draft in return for the receiver. Britt is a rather unattractive target. His off-the-field issues overshadow the flashes of talent he shows on the field.
Detroit will likely try and make a move sometime this week before the team faces the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Depth and injuries have ripped through the position group. With a 2-1 record, the Lions do not want to take any chances.
