NFL Trade Rumors: Detroit Lions Miss out with Failed Trade for Ronnie Brown

The Detroit Lions appeared to be getting some help in the backfield when it was reported that Philadelphia Eagles running back Ronnie Brown would be joining the team in exchange for Jerome Harrison and a 2013 seventh-round draft pick.

But that help never came because, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Harrison had "health issues."

The Lions likely went after Brown because of Jahvid Best's injury, thinking Brown could be a suitable fill-in while Best was out of action. But he also would have been a very nice backup who likely would have been used more than he has been in Philadelphia.

Brown has been given only 13 carries all season long, languishing behind Eagles star running back LeSean McCoy. But he has a history of success, and even though he's not the same back he once was, he's a veteran who would have been a nice addition for the Lions in their run to the postseason.

Except for one game this season (Week 5 against the Chicago Bears), Best and the Lions haven't been able to move the ball very well on the ground. Excluding the Bears game, Best has rushed 51 times for just 155 yards, an average of just over 3.0 yards per carry. In short, the Lions know they need some help in that department if they expect to be a Super Bowl team.

The miss on Brown on Wednesday was unfortunate for the Lions, but that's not to say they won't possibly try again for him or another running back on the market. With an apparently unhealthy Harrison and an injured Mikel Leshoure, the Lions simply need more pieces in the backfield.

The Lions face off with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, a team that has struggled but has been good against the run, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry. It's going to be interesting how it affects the Lions if they aren't able to find a suitable replacement for Best this week, who is listed as questionable. The Lions have proven they can still win without a running game, but their loss against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6 saw Best rush for just 37 yards on 12 carries.

The Lions appear to finally know what they're doing this season, and their courting of Brown was evidence enough they are being active in attempting to address their needs.