The Detroit Lions offense has been one of the more inconsistent units in the NFL this season. Averaging only 17.5 points per game, they rank 29th in the league, a disappointing figure for a team with playoff aspirations. One of the primary reasons for this offensive struggle has been the lack of stability at quarterback. The Lions have rotated through multiple starters this season, making it difficult to find any rhythm on that side of the ball.
Currently holding the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, per Tankathon, the Lions are expected to select a quarterback. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders has been linked to the team and could very well be the player they take with that pick, offering a potential solution to their quarterback woes.
However, Detroit’s wide receiver corps has been underwhelming this season, limiting their offensive potential. Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team proposed that if the Lions do draft Sanders, they should consider trading a third and a fifth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for star wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
“Sanders has thrived at the college level with the deep ball,” Brooke wrote in a Dec. 18 column. “According to Pro Football Focus, he has thrown 13 touchdowns with zero interceptions for a 133.0 passer rating when throwing 20-plus yards downfield this season. Hill hasn’t had the opportunity to be nearly as consistent as a deep threat this season, with the Dolphins’ scheme focused on getting the ball out as fast as possible.”
Brooke continued, “That Sanders-Hill connection could give the Lions offense some much-needed juice. The Lions have an extra third-round pick from a previous trade, so they could afford to give up one of their third-round picks, plus an additional Day 3 pick, to acquire a star receiver for their likely first-round quarterback.”
Is Tyreek Hill Looking to Be Traded?
Tyreek Hill is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, known for his blazing speed and playmaking ability. He is the only player in NFL history to score a touchdown in every major category: receiving, rushing, kickoff return, punt return, and fumble recovery. Hill also led the NFL with 1,799 receiving yards last season.
While he’s been a valuable asset for the Miami Dolphins, there are signs that Hill might be looking for a change. Hill recently posted “It’s time for me to go coach” on X, sparking speculation that he wants to leave Miami.
With the Dolphins struggling this season and Hill now at 30 years old, he may be seeking an opportunity to play for a team with a better chance to win a championship.
Would Hill Want to Go to the Lions?
The idea of the Lions trading for Hill presents some challenges. While the team is clearly in need of a playmaker at wide receiver, adding another expensive aging star doesn’t seem to align with their current strategy. The Lions recently made moves to rebuild and are still in the process of developing a young roster.
However, if Sanders becomes their quarterback, he will need a proven wide receiver to help him adjust to the NFL. While Detroit has some solid options in the passing game, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, adding Hill would elevate the offense and give Sanders a proven deep threat, an area where Hill excels.
That being said, it’s hard to imagine Hill would want to join the Lions. Detroit hasn’t won a playoff game since 1991 and has long struggled to be a contender. While the team is showing signs of improvement, there is no guarantee they would be able to compete for a championship in the near future. Given Hill’s age and desire for a ring, he might prefer to go to a team like the Los Angeles Chargers or even return to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he already has a proven connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. If winning is Hill’s top priority, staying in Miami could also make sense, especially if the Dolphins turn things around.