In between last Sunday’s game and today, the Lions traded their leading receiver Golden Tate for a third-round draft pick. At 3-4 they are just a game behind the first-place Chicago Bears in the NFC North, so they are right in the thick of a playoff race. I know it was unlikely Tate would re-sign this offseason, but trading your most productive receiver (at least in terms of catches and yards) halfway through the season doesn’t do a lot to boost confidence in your playoff hopes.
After watching last Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks, I can’t say I disagree with the front office’s decision that 2018 may not be Detroit’s year.