Lions trade team captain Quandre Diggs to Seahawks

The Detroit Lions traded Quandre Diggs to Seattle on Tuesday. (AP/Rick Osentoski)

The Detroit Lions have parted ways with one of its most popular players as the team traded one of its team captains and defensive leaders to the Seattle Seahawks.

Multiple reports state that the Lions traded safety Quandre Diggs and a 2021 seventh-round draft pick in exchange for the Seahawks' fifth-round pick in 2020.

Teammates not happy with the trade

The players voted for Diggs to be captain this year. Diggs said last month that  “I step in this locker room every day, I just want to earn the respect of my teammates, and just let them know I’m going to be out here, I’m going to be ready to go practice every day, I’m going to try to play every snap for those guys. And that’s what’s important to me.”

Teammates took to social media their disappointment with the trade. It seems like Diggs' statement was more than words judging by his teammate's reactions.

Sixth-round pick to full-time starter

Diggs was a sixth-round pick in 2015 NFL Draft. He began the 2017 season as a slot cornerback but moved to safety after injuries caused the Lions to make changes at the position. 

The move worked out well for both Diggs and the team as he became a full-time starter soon after. Diggs started all 16 games for the Lions in 2018. He finished the season with a total of 8 tackles (64 solo) and three interceptions. He became a Pro Bowl alternate during that season as well.

He agreed to a three-year, $18.6 million extension with the Lions last year. He had started five games this season, with 20 tackles (17 solo).

Shaking up its core

None of the seven players Detroit drafted in 2015 are still with the team after the Diggs trade. Martin Mayhew was general manager during that time. Bob Quinn took over as GM a year after and has been with the organization since.

Despite the depth at safety, the trade still didn't make sense to some especially the very teammates that voted for Diggs to become captain.


What do you think about this trade? Is this the right move for the Lions? Tell us what you think in the comments below.



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