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For the past 24 hours, it seemed almost destined for the Detroit Lions to trade for Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake. Rumors have been flying that the Lions are aggressively pursuing a running back at the trade deadline, and Drake was the most obvious candidate since it was clear he was not going to play for Miami.
But the Lions will have to look elsewhere now, because according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Drake is headed to the Arizona Cardinals:
Trade: Arizona has reached agreement in principle to trade a conditional 2020 draft pick to Miami for RB Kenyan Drake, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2019
It’s an interesting landing spot for Drake, as the Cardinals have a talented group of backs in Chase Edmonds, David Johnson and, well, Zach Zenner. Edmonds and Johnson have been battling injuries as of late, however, so Drake will provide some immediate relief for the 3-4-1 Cardinals.
As for the Lions, they will now have to look elsewhere for their running back help. Popular names among trade deadline theories include Melvin Gordon, Devonta Freeman, and Rashaad Penny. The Lions were reportedly big fans of Penny in the draft process, and Ian Rapoport said the Seahawks have already received some calls for him. So he may be a dark horse candidate if Detroit eventually makes a trade for a back.
UPDATE: Here’s what it cost the Cardinals:
The #AZCardinals have traded for #Dolphins RB Kenyan Drake, handing Miami a conditional 6th round pick in 2020 that can become a 5th rounder, source said. Given injuries to David Johnson and Chase Edmonds, AZ jumped in this morning.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2019