With an injury to Kerryon Johnson and a lackluster backfield of Ty Johnson, J.D. McKissic, Tra Carson, and Paul Perkins, the Detroit Lions were actively scouting the league for running backs.
Earlier in the week, it was reported that the Lions tried to trade for Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, which fell through when Atlanta simply opted to keep him. Now, it turns out that the Lions targeted another running back, and they were willing to give up a Day 2 pick for him:
Another RB the Lions were checking in on at the trade deadline: Rashaad Penny. Sounds like Lions were willing to part with a third-round pick for him but Seattle wanted more. They'll roll with Ty Johnson, J.D. McKissic and Paul Perkins at RB today.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) November 3, 2019
Bob Quinn is familiar with Rashaad Penny, and has previously expressed interest in the back. The Lions had multiple meetings with Penny during the draft process and eventually drafted his fullback, Nick Bawden. After the Seattle Seahawks drafted him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Lions tried to trade for him.
Now, with running back injuries mounting, the Lions tried again to acquire Penny, and they were reportedly willing to give up a third-round pick. However, that was not enough value for the Seahawks to part ways with him. Chris Carson has been the primary back in Seattle’s offense, and Penny has just 30 carries this season. After spending such a valuable pick on him, Seattle has yet to see a positive return on their investment, but a third-round pick from Detroit could not sway them to trade.
With the trade deadline gone by, the Lions will have to stick to the waiver wire if they want to improve their running back room. Still, given how often the Lions have looked into Penny, he could be a target during the offseason.