Detroit Lions: Upgrade Defense, Trade Ronald Curry For Orien Harris

ESPN.com is reporting that the Detroit Lions have made a move to bolster the defensive line. They traded away free agent acquisition Ronald Curry to St. Louis in exchange for defensive tackle Orien Harris.

Harris is a fourth year player out of the University of Miami. At 6’3” and 300 pounds, he is a welcome addition to a defensive front that lacks credibility at this point. Drafted in the fourth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he also spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals before being traded to the Rams. Harris notched 14 tackles last season with the Bengals.

Harris is not a huge signing, but it does bring a player with real NFL experience into the defensive line in exchange for someone who was, at best, a fourth or fifth option at wide receiver.

What I take from the move is that the Detroit Lions are continuing to try and improve the roster in any way they can.

I also take from it that they understand the defensive line is weak. The Lions have had several players come through that they hoped to sign including Kevin Carter and John Thorton. Kevin Carter is still an option. The Lions also looked at defensive end Jeremy Jarmon.

In the end, it’s the No. 4 or 5 option in a position that is in decent shape in exchange for a No. 2 or 3 option in a position of need. I can’t argue with that.

It's also a move that brings in a player with upside for a player with no upside.