With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Detroit Lions made a move that should make Wolverine-Lions fans happy.
Brad Holmes, who is quickly emerging as one of the league’s top general managers, traded a sixth-round pick for wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones.
“DPJ,” as he was known during his time at Michigan, totaled 2,155 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns during his time with the Wolverines. He played his high school ball at Cass Tech and makes his return to the great state of Michigan for the third time in his career.
The Cleveland Browns selected Peoples-Jones with the 187th pick in the 2020 NFL draft, and he exceeded expectations during his stay in Cleveland. Peoples-Jones totaled 117 receptions for 1,837 yards and eight touchdowns during his tenure with the Browns, including a breakout 839-yard campaign last season. However, with fewer than 100 yards to his name thus far in 2023, it appears Peoples-Jones has been phased out of Cleveland’s plans.
The Lions receiving room is in need of a boost. Besides Amon-Ra St. Brown, the team relies on Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond and Jameson Williams to provide a spark. Rough sledding.
Peoples-Jones should slide in as the second WR in the Lions’ offense pretty soon, with the other three taking on specific roles. However, If Williams realizes his potential as a first-round pick, the passing game can click at league-shocking levels.
Hopefully, Peoples-Jones can make his Lions debut next Sunday in some fashion, but it could be two weeks before we see the former Wolverine suit up.