Jacksonville Jaguars acquire Lions CB Jeff Okudah: 3 trade proposals

3. The Jacksonville Jaguars trade a mid-round pick for Jeff Okudah

Availability is a player's best ability and one big reason Jeff Okudah has struggled to make an impact in the NFL is that he's had a hard time staying healthy. Given the random nature of injuries, it's hard to blame the third-year pro for not being able to take the field. However, there's a point when you need to show your team can rely on you, which is something Okudah has consistently failed to do over the last three seasons.

Despite the fact that Okudah appeared in 15 games and played 79 percent of the Lions' defensive snaps in 2022, he might not be part of the team's long-term future. After all, they signed Emanuel Mosely, Cameron Sutton, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency, which will make it difficult for Okudah to get meaningful playing time in 2023 unless he pulls off a 180-degree turn in training camp.

The fact that the Lions haven't picked up Okudah's fifth-year option doesn't really bode well for his chances of remaining in Detroit beyond 2023. Also, he's slated to make $10.6 million which could make him a potential trade candidate or a cap casualty in the worst-case scenario.

Then again, the general manager Brad Holmes will most likely shop Okudah before deciding it's time to pull the plug on him. Mike Fishers says Detroit might ask for a third-round selection but the team that trades for him would also have to take on his salary, which could turn off any potential suitors.

Maybe if the Lions decrease their asking price to a fourth-round pick, they might have an easier time moving Okudah, and if that's the case, the Jaguars should get in touch with them. Of course, the Jags have a limited amount of cap space to work with but they could rework his deal and increase Okudah's amount of guarantees and/or have him recoup most of his salary if he reaches certain incentives.