The Detroit Lions were not happy with their 2013 season and as a result they loaded up on offensive weapons in the offseason in order to be contenders in 2014. Despite already having top running back Reggie Bush and leading receiver Calvin Johnson, they re-signed Brandon Pettigrew, grabbed Golden Tate and drafted two more players as well. With a newly loaded roster, where does Ryan Broyles fit in all this?
Broyles was heavily scouted coming out of college. Many believed he had the tools to truly develop into something strong. However, injuries said otherwise and a torn ACL and ruptured Achilles have left Broyles spending more time in rehab than on the field. The Lions were heavily predicted to take a wide receiver in the draft and they did just that by getting Eric Ebron in the first round. They continue to say they are fully invested in the development of Broyles moving forward.
"I just got to worry about me," Broyles said, via MLive.com. "At the end of the day, I got to focus on what I need to work on -- especially my Achilles and my strength and things like that. I'm just worried about me right now, and that's all I can be worried about, to be honest. I'm looking forward to the competition. It's never scared me away. But at the end of the day, we're here to win. They're going to put guys in place to help us win."
General manager Martin Mayhew continues to follow protocol when it comes to Broyles and endorse his recovery and future with the Lions, but if a deal came along, would he take it? Broyles has faced trade rumors in the past and with a crowded roster, they are sure to pop up again.
Who could be interested in Broyles if he turns out to be healthy? The Cleveland Browns are the likely target. The team is facing the potential loss of leading receiver Josh Gordon who could be dealt a year-long suspension any day now. They failed to draft a rookie and released Greg Little while signing several veterans instead. The grouping does not offer confidence.
The Browns were frontrunners to make a deal for Andre Johnson, but according to the Houston Chronicle, the Texans receiver will not be moved this year. Deals for Mike Wallace and Danny Amendola have also been shot down. Browns general manager Ray Farmer has said he plans on looking into every receiver that might be available and if Broyles is,the Lions could be getting a phone call.
