Pros and Cons of Detroit Lions Trading For Jaylon Johnson

Will the Lions make a deadline move?

The Detroit Lions have been speculated to be in the market for a cornerback ahead of Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. 

Jerry Jacobs and Cam Sutton have offered solid production, but analysts believe that the team would benefit from adding a player at the position before the 4 p.m. deadline. 

One of the players who will be available is Jaylon Johnson, whom the Chicago Bears granted permission to seek a trade to on in the early hours Tuesday after the two sides failed to reach an agreement in contract extension talks. 

Johnson is a budding star for a division rival, as the 2020 second-round pick has two interceptions already this season. Both came in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders. 

In four NFL seasons, Johnson has three career interceptions to go along with 143 tackles. He has amassed an 84.4 overall Pro Football Focus defensive grade, which ranks second on the struggling Bears. 

Jaylon Johnson (1)
Chicago Bears
39 yards, Pick Six
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At 2-6, the team could be looking to add more assets in the form of draft picks. The Lions, meanwhile, are likely hoping to stockpile their cupboard with proven talent in the event of a potential championship chase. 

Johnson's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning the Lions would only be guaranteed the remainder of this season with him. 

Because of that, along with having two established starters already at the position, this trade is of minimal risk to Brad Holmes and his staff. 

Also, the Lions should not feel compelled to over pay for Johnson on the trade market. With his contract expiring after the season, Detroit would be wise to avoid surrendering multiple picks in a trade. 

Yet, the player is also very talented and won't be easy to part with for Chicago. He has allowed just a 42.3 percent completion rate on passes his way this season, and that number has never been above 60 at the conclusion of a season in his career. 

There's a lot to like about his potential fit in Detroit. It would allow Aaron Glenn to be more flexible about where he'd play everyone, as Cam Sutton could see some time in the slot while Brian Branch worked from the safety position. 

Glenn and Dan Campbell have expressed plenty of confidence in Sutton and Jacobs, though. After the Lions defeated the Raiders on Monday, both players were awarded game balls from Glenn. 

All in all, if the Lions feel strongly about adding depth at cornerback, Johnson presents the perfect opportunity. He is low risk, with his contract expiring this season, and has proven talent. 

As a result, Tuesday presents a valuable opportunity for Holmes and company to add star-caliber players in an effort to push the Lions toward a Super Bowl chase.