Report: Detroit Lions have had trade discussions for a wide receiver

According to a report for NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Detroit Lions are looking for help at wide receiver. Per Rapoport, the Lions have already had discussions with other teams and could be potential buyers at the NFL trade deadline on November 2—two weeks away—despite being winless this season.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they go out and at least talk to some teams and they’ve done so already,” Rapoport said. “Talk(ed) to some teams about acquiring a receiver.”

The Lions certainly have an issue at wide receiver right now. Their top wideout, Tyrell Williams, suffered a concussion in Week 1, and his return is still “off in the distance” per head coach Dan Campbell. Quintez Cephus, who was emerging as the team’s No. 2 option, broke his collarbone a week ago in Week 5’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. The remaining crew has not lived up to expectations. During Sunday’s game, for example, Lions wide receivers were responsible for just 22 yards in the first half. At the end of the game, head coach Dan Campbell indirectly called the unit out while defending quarterback Jared Goff.

“He’s trying to make a throw with guys that are MA-ing (Missed Assignments), and so he can’t even trust where the hell they’re supposed to be at,” Campbell said. “So I’m with you. I don’t mean to get upset. Look, he’s got to make some throws and then our receivers have to be where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be there.”

Earlier this offseason, the Lions tried to add to their wide receiver group. They claimed wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge off waivers at the beginning of the season, and even traded fifth and seventh-round pick for Trinity Benson and a sixth-round pick in return. Hodge has five catches for just 48 yards in five games and one start. Benson has six catches for 55 yards and was a healthy scratch against the Bengals.

One player Rapoport mentioned that could be on the block is Cardinals wide receiver Andy Isabella.

“One name to watch, and I know a player that teams have been interested in since training camp, that is Andy Isabella from the Arizona Cardinals,” Rapoport said.

A former second-round pick, Isabella has been inactive for four of the Cardinals’ six games this season after catching 21 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns last year. Rapoport added that the Cardinals haven’t talked to teams about trading him yet, but he expects those talks to ramp up by November’s deadline.