Johnthan Banks to Lions: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

Cornerback Johnthan Banks didn't register a tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in five games this season, but the team found a trade partner for the 27-year-old.

The Detroit Lions announced a move for the cornerback on Tuesday.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com first reported the Buccaneers had traded Banks to the Lions in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2018. Rapoport previously reported on Monday that Banks had been waived.

Banks responded to the news on Instagram:

On Wednesday, Banks spoke out about the Bucs at Lions practice, per Kyle Meinke of MLive Media Group:

"

It’s tough to adjust every year. I mean, Tampa is a great place. I respect coach (Dirk Koetter), I respect the Glazers. I think they have a a fine organization. But every year, when you get a new defense, a new defensive coordinator, new defensive backs coach, everybody wants to mold you and twist and turn you into this player and that player. It kind of gets old. You lose your fire for the game, and it’s frustrating. 

But like I said, I’m blessed to be back here with TO, and get back to work with this guy. I know him. I know what he wants, and I know what he expects. So I’m going to try and get it done.

"

Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk noted the Buccaneers needed to clear a roster spot to sign running back Mike James after Jacquizz Rodgers left Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders with a leg injury, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

Banks, a second-round pick out of Mississippi State in 2013, appeared to be on his way to a productive NFL career when he played all 16 games as a rookie, tallying 55 combined tackles and three interceptions. He followed that up with 50 combined tackles and four interceptions in 2014, but he recorded only 25 combined tackles and failed to register a pick last year.

His presence on the roster this season was for depth purposes before the move.

According to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, Banks was demoted from his starting spot in November 2015. "It's a coach's decision," the defensive back said at the time. "I roll with it. It's his team, his decision."

While Lovie Smith is no longer Tampa Bay's head coach, the cornerback never found a spot in Dirk Koetter’s rotation, either.

Banks' draft status as a second-rounder could make him an intriguing option for the Lions. At 6'2", he is a lengthy cornerback who can match up with taller receivers and come up with interceptions, as he proved early in his career.