Report: Detroit Lions considering trade options with Tyrell Crosby

The Detroit Lions are giving some consideration to trade offensive tackle Tyrell Crosby according to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Per Fowler, the Lions are “giving indications it will consider or look to move Crosby.”

A former fifth-round pick, Crosby has served as the team’s backup “swing” tackle for the past three seasons, capable of filling a spot on either the left or right side of the offensive line. He has started a total of 18 games since 2018, including 11 last year at right tackle.

With the drafting of Oregon’s Penei Sewell in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Lions obviously have their right tackle of the future. That leaves Crosby, again, as an odd man out of the starting lineup.

Trading Crosby would be a significant risk for the Lions, as he offers a versatile, reliable option in case of injury to either of the Lions’ starting tackles. However, if the Lions’ main focus is on the future, Crosby may not be a part of it. He’s entering the final year of his rookie deal, and he has played well enough to potentially warrant a chance at a starting job in the NFL. He will not have that opportunity in Detroit with Sewell locked up on the right side and left tackle Taylor Decker signed through 2024.

Beyond Crosby, the Lions have Matt Nelson and Dan Skipper to back up either Decker or Sewell. Nelson, a converted defensive lineman, started one game last year and played in a total of 241 snaps. While Skipper has only played in 58 offensive snaps since entering the league as an undrafted prospect in 2017.