Lions Claim Marcus McCauley, Trade Kevin O'Connell to Jets

by Sean Yuille on Sep 6, 2009 2:30 PM EDT in Detroit Lions Roster

Although the Lions established their 53-man roster yesterday, it was pretty obvious that it would undergo some changes before truly being finalized. With the Lions having the top waiver priority and so much talent being cut free, you knew they were going to make the most out of the position they are in.

Doing just that today, the Lions claimed cornerback Marcus McCauley, a third-round pick in the 2007 draft who was waived by the Vikings on Saturday. McCauley started 10 games over the last two seasons and may benefit from playing in a different defensive scheme. No word yet on who was released to make room on the roster for McCauley, but it very well could be quarterback Kevin O'Connell, who was traded to the Jets this afternoon. It is unknown if the Lions will get a pick or a player in return for O'Connell, but if it is a pick then there will already be an open spot on the roster for McCauley to fill.

The fact that O'Connell was traded shows that he was brought in to serve as trade bait. The Lions knew multiple teams wanted him, but since they have the top waiver priority, O'Connell ended up coming to Detroit. It should have been obvious that a trade was on the way, as the Lions really couldn't afford to carry four quarterbacks. Detroit needs as much depth and talent as they can get at positions like defensive tackle and cornerback, just to name a couple, and having a fourth QB prevented that from happening.

UPDATE: According to Tom Kowalski, the NFL Network is reporting that the Jets sent an undisclosed draft pick to the Lions.

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Marcus McCauley

I had a hunch we were going to claim him. Cool. He might fit Gunther’s scheme better.

by GRLion on Sep 6, 2009 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

Guys, correct me if I am wrong....

But I saw someone saying that we only get 1 pick for 1st waiver claim priority. I do not think this is like fantasy football where you make a waiver claim and then move to the bottom of the list. I believe the Lions have 1st pick of any (and all) of the players who have been waived.

by KDawg on Sep 6, 2009 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

I believe...

you are correct. The Lions always have 1st pick of players on the waiver wire. This is demonstrated by Mike Florio’s constant reminders on PFT.

by lions_sucker on Sep 6, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

This is just too hilarious to not post

And coach Gary Kubiak strongly hinted in comments to the media on Saturday that Rex Grossman, who made the team due in part to a solid performance in Friday’s preseason finale, may supplant Dan “Wrong Way” Orlovsky as the presumptive No. 2 behind Schaub.

“Wrong Way” Orlavsky……LMFAO!!!

by KDawg on Sep 6, 2009 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

Lions have updated there unoffical depth chart

besides a couple of tweeks it think that’s how it will look at starting day, not naming a QB yet makes me think it will be Culpepper

by msivits on Sep 6, 2009 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

it"I"

by msivits on Sep 6, 2009 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe

Jet’s FO is dyslexic and give us a 1st instead of a 7th?

We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne

by detpistons3 on Sep 6, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions

that be sick

Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??

by det32 on Sep 6, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions

how come we only picked up one guy so far?? come on lions pick someone up all redey

Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??

by det32 on Sep 6, 2009 4:25 PM EDT reply actions

If I'm not mistaken...

the waiver wire closed at noon today. Meaning… the Lions, if they claimed anyone, have already done so. So I’m not sure if this means that McCauley was the only player they claimed and the waiver process is done or if they have claimed more and simply not publicized it yet. Not sure what the disclosure process is with waived players….

by DrewsLions on Sep 6, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions