The Lions added some depth to their defensive line today by trading for former Seattle first round pick Lawrence Jackson. This according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Jackson, a former first round pick (28th overall) for the Seattle Seahawks became expendable in Seattle with the acquisition of Kentwan Balmer from the San Francisco 49ers. Over the past two seasons Jackson has started 24 games and has recorded 4.5 sacks for the Seahawks last season in 16 game. He is expected to be a backup for the team once the regular season begins.
This trade, in which the Lions reportedly gave up a 6th round draft pick in next years draft, comes on the heels of the recent release of veteran Jason Hunter and the ongoing concern over the health of Jared DeVries who is sidelined with a leg injury. DeVries also missed all of last season with a torn Achilles Tendon.
After the trade was announced by Seattle, the Lions released safety Marvin White and fullback Matt Clapp, at least one of which was to make room for Jackson.
Even though Seattle has announced the trade it has yet to be confirmed by the Lions which is typical since the team usually waits until the player takes their physical. I’m sure we can expect official word from the Lions tomorrow confirming the trade.
Bottom line is this is a very solid move for a team that no longer tries to satisfy it’s needs with the sexy trade or pick that was so synonymous with the Millen era. Last year the Lions often had to move LB Julian Peterson up to the line as a DE since the team was already thin at the position with the loss of Jared DeVries. Hopefully with the added depth the team can keep certain players at their respective positions without have to have them fill in elsewhere.
