Sports Illustrated Names 4 Lions Winners and 2 Losers After Trade Deadline
4 Winners, 2 Losers After the 2026 Detroit Lions Trade Deadline
The Detroit Lions have completed their trade deadline business, and while the addition of safety Andre Cisco was a welcome move, the decision not to make further additions has created some interesting consequences for the roster.
Detroit entered the deadline with questions surrounding its secondary and linebacker depth, particularly after Jack Campbell’s frightening neck injury. The Lions ultimately added Cisco from the New York Jets but didn’t make the additional moves some fans were hoping to see.
Sports Illustrated’s Christian Booher has identified four winners and two losers from Detroit’s deadline decisions. Some of the names are particularly interesting.
WINNERS
1. Kelvin Sheppard — Defensive coordinator
Sheppard is arguably one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Cisco acquisition.
Detroit’s defense has been trending in the right direction, allowing no more than 21 points in four consecutive games. The unit also delivered an impressive performance against Miami, keeping the Dolphins out of the end zone.
Cisco gives Sheppard another versatile defensive back who can line up at safety and potentially contribute in different roles.
The additional depth could also give players such as Brian Branch and Keith Abney II more flexibility within the defensive scheme.
2. Ennis Rakestraw — Cornerback
Rakestraw also benefits from Detroit choosing not to bring in another established cornerback.
The young defensive back has gradually worked his way into a more consistent role since the Lions began rotating their cornerbacks in Week 7.
He’s already recorded a career high in defensive snaps this season, and the continued opportunities could be important for his development.
With no major outside addition at cornerback, Rakestraw will have more chances to prove he deserves a bigger role.
3. Malcolm Rodriguez — Linebacker
This one is particularly interesting.
Following Jack Campbell’s injury, many expected Detroit to look for another linebacker before the deadline. However, the Lions decided against making a significant addition at the position.
That decision could benefit Rodriguez.
He played a season-high number of defensive snaps against Miami, the first game without Campbell, and is expected to have an important role moving forward.
Detroit also added K.J. Britt from the Patriots’ practice squad, but that move appears more focused on improving special teams than taking away Rodriguez’s defensive opportunities.
4. Sam LaPorta — Tight end
LaPorta’s inclusion is interesting because his future had become a topic of discussion amid questions about his contract situation.
There had been speculation about whether Detroit might consider listening to trade offers for the talented tight end.
However, reports indicated that the Lions were not interested in moving him and still intended to work toward a long-term extension.
That is encouraging news for LaPorta and Lions fans who want to see him remain part of Detroit’s offense.
LOSERS
1. Kerby Joseph — Safety
Joseph is perhaps the most notable loser in this assessment.
The All-Pro safety has yet to play this season and has been working his way back from injury. Detroit’s acquisition of Cisco gives the secondary another experienced option, but it also raises questions about Joseph’s eventual role.
Joseph has already been ruled out for the Week 10 matchup against New England. His return timeline remains uncertain, and the Lions will have to make a decision about activating him within his practice window.
Cisco’s arrival doesn’t automatically mean Joseph has lost his place, but it does create more competition and uncertainty.
2. Christian Izien — Defensive back
Izien is another player whose opportunities could become more limited.
His defensive role had already begun shrinking as Keith Abney II received more safety snaps and Brian Branch worked his way back into the defensive rotation.
Now Cisco joins the group, creating even more competition.
Unless injuries open up another opportunity, Izien could find it difficult to earn meaningful defensive snaps moving forward.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR DETROIT?
The Lions didn’t make the big splash many supporters wanted, but the Cisco acquisition still gives Kelvin Sheppard another useful option in the secondary.
The bigger question is whether Detroit did enough to address its remaining needs, especially at cornerback and linebacker.
For some players, the quiet deadline creates opportunities. For others, it makes their path to playing time more difficult.
Brad Holmes has made his decision. Now the Lions must show that the roster they have is good enough to compete for a deep playoff run.
Mabel Joshua is the founder and lead editor of CelebrityTale.com with 4+ years covering celebrity news, entertainment trends and pop culture. She curates breaking stories with verified sources, focusing on real-time updates from Hollywood, music and lifestyle. When not reporting, she tracks emerging talents and viral moments across social platforms.
