Forget Kenyan Drake and Melvin Gordon, the Lions were apparently after Falcons running back Devonta Freeman.
This comes according to Ian Rapaport who on Twitter today stated that both Atlanta and Detroit talked “at length” on a deal surrounding the starting back but it was the Falcons who ultimately decided they wanted to hang on to Freeman.
Freeman’s presence in the Detroit backfield would have definitely helped however it’s probably good they didn’t pull the trigger on any major trade like this considering it would have taken more than just a back to get the Lions to that next level this season. That is unless Bob Quinn was also considering some secondary help and improvements on the offensive line which is nearly impossible to do in one deadline.
On the other side of the coin, you really have to question what the hell the Falcons are thinking? Dealing Mohamed Sanu earlier in the week was the right call so it seemed the logical follow up would be to unload Freeman and his contract heading into next season. Not the case though for that Atlanta front office who not only has a logjam at running back but also a logjam when it comes to their cap situation.
Anyways, it was probably important to point out that questionable front office moves (and non-moves) don’t just happen in Detroit.
