NFL Fans React To Browns, Lions Wide Receiver Trade
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 25: Donovan Peoples-Jones #11 of the Cleveland Browns makes a catch while being guarded by Rasul Douglas #29 of the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at Lambeau Field on December 25, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Stacy Revere/Getty Images.
The Detroit Lions bolstered their offense with help from the Clevland Browns before Tuesday afternoon's trade deadline.
Detroit acquired wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones from Cleveland for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick. The Detroit native went to Michigan before playing 50 games with the Browns.
Fans think Peoples-Jones will have a better opportunity to succeed in the Lions offense.
"Shame how DPJ had three promising seasons then fell off a cliff in 2023 before FA," Orange and Brown Report's Jack Duffin wrote.
"Love this for@dpeoplesjones. The @Detroit_CTFB legend and Michigan Man gets to return home, no doubt he will help the Lions offense become even more explosive," a fan wrote.
"Lions know they're in it and understand they can't keep hoping Jameson Williams develops overnight," 4for4Football's John Daigle said.
"Really appreciate DPJ's time as a Brown," a Browns fan wrote. "I fully expect him to excel in that offense in Detroit."
"Sad to see him leave but happy he gets to go home and plays with a QB who will find him if he’s open," Damon Wolfe said.
Peoples-Jones enjoyed a career year in 2022, catching 61 of 96 targets for 839 yards and three touchdowns. He also averaged 12.4 yards per punt return, including one score in a Week 13 win over the Houston Texans.
Yet the former sixth-round pick's role rapidly diminished this season. He caught eight of 18 targets for 97 yards in seven games. Despite playing 65 snaps, Peoples-Jones didn't get targeted once in Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Lions may not have considered wide receiver a problem area before, but veteran Marvin Jones Jr. stepped away from the team last week to address personal matters. Meanwhile, Jameson Williams has just 71 yards in four games since returning from a suspension.
Peoples-Jones could take reps away from Williams alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds and the Lions look to maintain control of the NFC North. The Browns, who remain in the AFC playoff hunt, will look for Elijah Moore to develop into a reliable secondary option behind Amari Cooper.
