ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is preparing his team for an NFC Divisional Round rematch against the Washington Commanders.
While talking on Wednesday (Nov. 5), Campbell gave a glimpse into why the organization didn’t make any moves at the trade deadline.
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Trade deadline
Regarding the recent trade deadline, Campbell said he did not anticipate much activity.
“There were things that popped up. After I talked to you guys, then we started getting some, you know, there were some things here and there, but it was just nothing that was enough to be noteworthy,” Campbell said. “It was certainly more intriguing, but not it wasn’t good enough. So, all good. We’re ready to roll.”
Campbell shared his confidence in the players already on the roster, especially those who may not have had many opportunities yet.
“You know your own guys. You’ve been around them. You’ve seen them. You know the greatness behind them, you know their warts too,” Campbell said. “As long as things are continuing to grow and get better, then our trust goes up in those guys. It doesn’t mean it’s going to be perfect, but it gives you faith in those guys.”
Campbell emphasized the importance of familiarity and trust built over time.
“I think that helps when you’re around these guys for a long enough time, training camp, vets squad, some guys have been here for a while now,” Campbell said. “They’ve been trained a certain way. They understand what we want, what we’re looking for, and how to play the game. And so I think it gives them confidence.”
Campbell addressed the feeling of missed opportunity among fans after the trade deadline passed without major moves.
He said he feels good about the current roster.
“My job is to get these guys ready to play on Sunday, and I’ve got the roster to do it. We got depth. We got the dudes, we got weapons, we got a quarterback,” Campbell said. “I got to do my part. I got to do my job, and I got to get them ready. I feel good. I feel great.”
Campbell also discussed the team’s approach to trades and draft picks, referencing Lions General Manager Brad Holmes' philosophy, “F them picks”, which was used during his tenure under former Los Angeles Rams GM Les Snead.
“If everything about it was right, you know, throw all the picks away, that’s a lot of capital,” Campbell said. “Especially with guys that we’ve got that we’re signing and want to keep intact. You’re not only throwing picks, you also have to pay that player. Otherwise, why are you throwing all the picks at a guy for that? You’re buying him for a year.”
Campbell added that while the team has considered various scenarios, they have a long-term approach.
“Brad and I have had conversations about this. We talk about everything. We’ve thought about what if we did this, this, and this,” Campbell said. “But we both agree this is how we proceed. We have a long-term approach, but I’ll never say never.”
Regarding trade offers, Campbell explained the team’s approach and why none of the recent proposals were considered noteworthy.
“These are solid players,” Campbell said. “But when we make a move, it’s got to check all the boxes.”
Campbell emphasized that factors like financial sense, value, and fit within the team are critical.
“I can sit there and say, ‘Yeah, I like him. He’s a solid player,’ but if it doesn’t make sense financially, from a value standpoint, or what we’re looking for, then I don’t even want to,” Campbell said. “That thing gets filtered, which I appreciate. I don’t want to deal with all that until we know we’re serious about it.”
Campbell also described the evaluation process beyond just talent.
“We start watching the type of person. ‘Will he fit in this locker room? What does he look like next to this player? Does he elevate this player? Or is it really not?’” Campbell said.
Campbell noted that sometimes a player might be a little better, but not enough to justify the cost compared to a backup already on the squad.
“Those, most of the time, are the ones that we are like, ‘Well, no, I don’t think so.’ And we’ve been pretty good so far,” Campbell said. “It doesn’t mean it’s perfect, but that’s just how we feel.”