Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is gearing up for a rematch against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round. Speaking on Wednesday, November 5, Campbell provided insight into the team”s lack of significant moves at the recent trade deadline.
Regarding the trade deadline, Campbell revealed that he did not expect 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 stated. “It was certainly more intriguing, but it wasn”t good enough. So, all good. We”re ready to roll.”
Campbell expressed confidence in the players currently on the roster, particularly those who have yet to see extensive game action. “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,” he explained. “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.”
The coach highlighted the importance of building familiarity and trust over time. “I think that helps when you”re around these guys for a long enough time, training camp, vet squad, some guys have been here for a while now,” Campbell added. “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.”
In addressing fan concerns about missed opportunities following the trade deadline, Campbell conveyed satisfaction with 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,” he remarked. “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.”
Furthermore, Campbell discussed the team”s philosophy regarding trades and draft picks, referencing Lions General Manager Brad Holmes” mantra, “F them picks,” which he adopted during his time with 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,” he noted. “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.”
Although the team has explored various trade scenarios, Campbell emphasized a long-term strategy. “Brad and I have had conversations about this. We talk about everything. We”ve thought about what if we did this, this, and this,” he shared. “But we both agree this is how we proceed. We have a long-term approach, but I”ll never say never.”
On the topic of trade offers, Campbell explained the criteria that must be met for any potential move. “These are solid players,” he said. “But when we make a move, it”s got to check all the boxes.” He pointed out that financial viability, value, and team fit are all essential factors in the decision-making process. “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 added. “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 elaborated on the evaluation process that goes beyond mere talent assessment. “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?”” he explained. He noted that sometimes a player may be marginally better, but not enough to justify the cost compared to a backup already on the roster. “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 concluded. “It doesn”t mean it”s perfect, but that”s just how we feel.”
