Breaking News: Lions Trade Roy Williams to Dallas

by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:23 PM EDT in Roster Comment 48 comments

The NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Lions have traded Roy Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. According to The Dallas Morning News, the Lions will receive a first-, a third-, and a sixth-round pick and will give up a seventh-rounder. All picks are for the 2009 draft, giving the Lions plenty of opportunities to start rebuilding through the draft as soon as possible.

UPDATE: ESPN's Ed Werder is reporting that no first-round picks are involved in this trade. That is contrary to what Adam Schefter, The Dallas Morning News, and ESPNews are reporting, so I would stay tuned until something is officially announced.

UPDATE II: Via Blogging The Boys, the Cowboys' official website is reporting the same information as Adam Schefter and The Dallas Morning News. It looks like Werder got some bad information.

UPDATE III: In a typical ESPN move, Werder's story has been changed to include the correct information. It looks like the Lions will get three draft picks and give up a seventh-rounder, just as was first reported by The Dallas Morning News.

Poll

Do you like the Roy Williams trade?

Yes, he was going to be a free agent after the season anyways, and the Lions got great value for him

458 votes

No, the Lions should have kept him and made a decision on his future in the offseason

36 votes

494 votes | Poll has closed

1 recs | Comment 48 comments | Share

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Comments

nice haul.

if it is true.

by nuftjedi on Oct 14, 2008 4:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

F*CK

I think it’s a mistake. But only time will tell. I understand Roy was having a bad year but damn the guy is a beast and makes Dallas almost unstoppable imo. This will put furrey as our #2 correct? Making him the target probably for most games since Calvin will be ultra covered now with Roy gone. I guess we’ll see how good furrey really is with a new QB and a starting job.

by MatthewDC on Oct 14, 2008 4:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bad year or not

He was going to be a free agent after this season, so might as well get something for him.

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ohhhhhh snap.

by BtotheLT on Oct 14, 2008 4:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

A first, third, and sixth is FAR FAR better than what I was expecting. Of course, I guess I was expecting a deal that Millen would have pulled off.

I would have been happy with just a first rounder.

by theyellowdart on Oct 14, 2008 4:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Same here

If we get a competent GM that should be at least 1 new starter and another player that can compete for starting time.

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same here too

I told my wife last night I’d trade him for a first. Of course, I was hoping for a better first than we got, but you never know what will happen when T.O.’s on your team and your starting QB goes down with a broken pinkie.

Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game

by iDea on Oct 14, 2008 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no so Oh snap

by BtotheLT on Oct 14, 2008 4:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well either way, +1 for Mayhew

He’s already doing a better job than Millen did. At least we got a decent value for him. But just wait and see what he does in dallas, it’s going to be ridiculous when Romo is back.

by MatthewDC on Oct 14, 2008 4:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Plus he got rid of Kitna so actually +5

by MatthewDC on Oct 14, 2008 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha yeah

He was put on the IR right after the trade deadline, so no one wanted him.

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't disagree with that

As long as TO doesn’t throw a hissy fit about not getting the ball (oh wait, he already has), that offense is going to be unstoppable. Felix Jones, Marion Barber, Jason Witten, TO, Roy, Tony Romo… that’s nuts.

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As long as the team hasn't blown apart by then...

Look, you have TO, who was bitching about how much he was getting the ball before Romo went down.

I don’t necessarily believe Jerry Jones when he said TO was happy with the trade, I mean, that means less touches for him.

Roy also has a big mouth, so if he doesn’t get touches, he’s not going to stay quiet. Maybe a change of scenery is what he needed, and going back to Texas probably doesn’t hurt.

Finally, I don’t see Brad Johnson as the answer, granted they probably can go 2-1 before their bye week and then expect Romo back after that, but you never know with injuries, sometimes they take a little longer to heal.

They will be much better on offense with Roy on the opposite side of TO, but it’s going to take a few weeks. Look at Brett Farve with the Jets, it took a few weeks to get him in tune with the offense. It is easier for a wide receiver to sync up, but we are right in the middle of a season.

I see this deal as high risk, very high reward. The Cowboys could win out, or blow up and miss the playoffs.

by ReichardZ on Oct 14, 2008 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d give it an A if there is a 1st rounder, if not then a B at best.

The fact is Roy was probably going to Dallas anyway so this way we do get something for him. If we franchised him next year he’d just be pouting so it would be a waste.

by nuftjedi on Oct 14, 2008 4:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agree 100%

The extra first-rounder makes or breaks this deal.

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So what do you guys think we should focus on with our 2 first rounders?

QB? RB? O-Line? Defense? I mean we need a little of everything haha. I sense a poll Sean …..

by MatthewDC on Oct 14, 2008 4:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Depending on how Stanton does when he plays...

We may need a QB. However, if Stanton looks like he can be a starter in this league, then I would say the offensive line should be a first priority. After that, a MLB (no way Dizon is going to be any good in my opinion, at least) or CB or someone on the defense.

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that O-Line is most important

Kevin Smith showed that if the holes are there, he can find them. Our problem now is that we just get trampled..

Stanton is a good QB.. if he can stay healthy.. i think he is the answer..

They need to keep Gos in though to get experience…and build from there..

by MatthewDC on Oct 14, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OL should be one of the top priorities for sure

That’s where all good teams are built first. The offense won’t be any good if the QB doesn’t have time to throw and the RB has nowhere to run.

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

O lIne

Should be THE priority. Then D line. Then we can upgrade all the performance parts.

Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game

by iDea on Oct 14, 2008 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Defense

Defense and Defense.

Also, depending on how Stanton looks, possibly a QB, but really… (as much hate as what I’m about to suggest I’m still going to suggest it) if Tebow does come out early, I wouldn’t mind seeing him on honolulu blue and silver.

by theyellowdart on Oct 14, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There should be a few good QBs

Chase Daniel will be in the draft, so that’s a name to consider. But I agree, Tebow is someone to keep on eye on as well if he comes out early.

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Tebow will be a bust in the NFL

He’ll be the next Vince Young..

by MatthewDC on Oct 14, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could see it happening

I’d much rather not draft a QB with the first first-rounder, which is where most would go.

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If we draft a QB in rd 1

We might as well of not fired Millen. That’s a total Millen move.

Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game

by iDea on Oct 14, 2008 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Possible

Certainly is possible, however Tebow is a FAR better passer now than Vince Young has ever been. I also think he has a much better head on his shoulders than VY.

However, because of that, I simply don’t see him coming out early… just something about that SoB screams that he is going to finsh school.

by theyellowdart on Oct 14, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

He’ll pull a Matt Leinart ..

by MatthewDC on Oct 14, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't surprise me

Tebow definitely has a good head on his shoulders, and it’s not like he needs the money or anything.

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

tebow

if we get tebow Ill think millen is still running the show

we need Oline and Dline thats where it starts. A team with great skill players can’t do anything with out an Oline, look at last year, kitna was our worst skill player and he isn’t that terrible.

CB’s are useless if there isn’t anybody pressuring the qb, can’t cover forever, and LB’s can’t stop the run if our dline is being blocked 1 on 1.

Its a funny story actually.

by Wad on Oct 14, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If i was tebow and realized Detroit is drafting early

and needs a QB.. i’d stay another year too..

by MatthewDC on Oct 14, 2008 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok. As much as i hate to say it

im on board with the Roy trade..

It all depends on where the pick lands and what we get too..

But im actually starting to have some confidence in the new Mayhew – Marinelli team… this week was a good game for the first time this year.. and a couple good moves so far…

Maybe millen was holding Mayhew back..

by MatthewDC on Oct 14, 2008 4:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully

This is definitely a better trade than Millen ever pulled off. Now we just have to hope the GM does a good job drafting these picks.

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

can't do much worse

by nuftjedi on Oct 14, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dallas

Im rooting for whoever is playing dallas thats for sure.

Its a funny story actually.

by Wad on Oct 14, 2008 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They'll definitely be a fun team to watch

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Once Romo gets back, that is

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I always root against dallas anyways.. thats why im so sad..

I am one of the few who liked Roy.. im glad he’s goin back home where he wanted tho..

by MatthewDC on Oct 14, 2008 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly.

by nuftjedi on Oct 14, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll take it

1st and third is good, 6th just gravy, like Sean said, that SHOULD translate to a starter, and potentially two.

But here’s the downside….other teams/fans in the NFC merely pitied us before, but now that’s we’ve hooked Dallas up, and they ought to be in REALLY good shape once Romo gets back from his pinkie trouble, the Lions are going to be LOATHED for giving Williams to the Coyboys….

and to that i say, oh well….

by ahtrap on Oct 14, 2008 4:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Roy williams Fantasy Value

Its a funny story actually.

by Wad on Oct 14, 2008 4:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Got that right

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by Sean Yuille on Oct 14, 2008 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can just see Roy now catching 10 passes for 130 yards in the Super Bowl

and all of us watching like damn…

by MatthewDC on Oct 14, 2008 4:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

good thing I never bought a #11 jersey

LOL

by nuftjedi on Oct 14, 2008 5:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Roy Williams Trade

Roy Williams…Bad attitude on the field…bad attitude off the field!
3 of the biggest egos in the NFL …Owens, Williams, and Jerry Jones…WOW!
Definition of success…“doing what you have to do, when you have to do it, whether you want to or not…NO DEBATE!”
The three above is more like, “do what I want to, when it is convenient, only if it’s good for me…unless I am about to negotiate a contract!”
Good luck Roy…you’ll need it!

by Vanny on Oct 14, 2008 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is a great trade

…Lions got what they need. Dallas got what they needed. There are two losers:1) The Philadelphia Eagles because they coveted him and 2) well, the rest of the NFC East. I think this trade pushes the Cowboys over the top in their division even with the Romo injury.

All we can hope for now is that it implodes for Dallas and Detroit gets another top 15 pick.

by TonyDC on Oct 14, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

mixed feelings...

Part of me is bummed, because I really like Roy and know he can perform. I think if we would’ve got him for another 2-3 years, gotten a better o-line and qb, then we’d be pretty comfortable. But I also know he hated being in Detroit, and wouldve just gotten worse through the years since he wouldn’t be pushing himself. So like everyone else has said, we got alot for him, and we should be able to advance rebuilding this offseason with those picks. Also, maybe we can get gonzalez to come from one terrible team to another.

by lions_sucker on Oct 14, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like it

Grabbing a first round pick for a receiver who would be gone in 11 games anyway is a sign that:
A. They are not playing for now
B. The people running the show are obviously not like Matt Millen

This is the type of move the Lions need more of to become competitive.

by The Prodigy on Oct 14, 2008 9:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dallas gave Roy a 5 year extension.

The Cowboys are going to be very good for a while. Can you double up on Cancerman and Roy? Nope, leaves Witten and barber/jones wide open. Put 8 in the box to stop the run? Nope, leaves Roy and TO open. Cover 2? how do you defend against that offense?

Glad Millen was gone and couldn’t screw up this trade.. He’d probably take a WR with the first pick next year.

We need some o-line and linebackers/secondary. pass rush. Shit, we need a lot. Probably end up with the first pick in the draft. I don’t see the Lions winning much, if at all this year.

Stanton needs to play NOW. Already know Orlovsky’s not the answer. Let’s see what the kid can do.

After I hit a home run I had a habit of running the bases with my head down. I figured the pitcher already felt bad enough without me showing him up rounding the bases. ~Mickey Mantle

by Jettero2112 on Oct 15, 2008 8:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs