At the NFL trade deadline, four Detroit Lions will not be traded under any circumstances

There is no way the Lions will move these players before Tuesday’s deadline.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Detroit Lions’ primary emphasis is on who they might acquire and what kind of draft pick(s) it may require to get (insert name of choice).

But what about any players they could deal, either as part of a package for a desired edge rusher or otherwise, or whom other teams would be interested in? It appears to be a pretty small list, and this is not due to the Lions’ lack of intriguing skill. It’s more about what it would take to get such player(s), to say nothing of how the Lions perceive players who are “their guys.” We do not require to list the Lions players who are absolutely untouchable, but the list stretches long.

So, despite the fact that rumours about names may run wild, the Lions will not trade any of these players before the trade deadline.

4 players the Lions will not trade before the deadline

4. RB David Montgomery
3. RB Jahmyr Gibbs

Let’s simply say “NO” to Gibbs, no matter who can be acquired, because a crazy former NFL general manager (emphasis on “former”, as at least one Lions fan has reminded me) brought him up in a nonsensical trade proposal.

Might as well loop Montgomery in here too. “Sonic and Knuckles” will not be separated before the trade deadline, or at any time in the foreseeable future.

2. QB Hendon Hooker

In the broadest sense, Hooker might be used as a trade piece to obtain an edge rusher if necessary. His future in Detroit is uncertain at best, as an older prospect coming out of college in 2023, and with Jared Goff’s new contract continuing into the future like it does–which goes beyond Hooker’s rookie contract and to his (Hooker’s) age-30 season.

But it’s also difficult to imagine Hooker generating a lot of interest on the trade market right now, or his inclusion (or lack thereof) as a tipping factor in talks about a larger deal. The Lions can and should devote more time to his development before he becomes a truly valuable trade asset.

Hooker is likely to be traded at some point, but not at this year’s trade deadline.

1. WR Jameson Williams

Williams was in the headlines again this week for the wrong reasons, as WXYZ reported that the Detroit Police Department is investigating why he was released from detention in connection with a gun-related incident on October 8. The Lions are still confident in him, despite receiving a two-game ban for performance-enhancing substances and a four-game punishment for violating the NFL’s gambling policy last year.

That patience and leeway with Williams may run out. However, it will not run out anytime soon, especially not before Tuesday’s trade deadline.