NFL: The best trade in each franchise’s history

Best trade in Detroit Lions history: Acquiring Richard Lane

It’s easy to forget certain players. Especially when they haven’t played in roughly half a century. But for cornerback Richard Lane, he should never be forgotten. After balling out on the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Cardinals in the 1950s, Detroit offered up defensive linemen and placekicker Gerry Perry the all-world cornerback.

Lane may have been 32 at the time but he still had plenty left in the tank. His first year in Detroit was arguably his best as he picked off the opposing quarterback five times while returning one for a score. His time as a Lion is remembered for being an absolute ball hawk. Lane was selected to three Pro Bowl teams during his time there mostly due to his 21 interceptions.

Ultimately though, Lane was picked up during the backend of his career. The final two years of his time in the league were forgettable as he struggled with injuries and managed to pick off the opposing QB just once.

Still, Lane was a Hall of Fame cornerback for most of his career. And while his efforts never resulted in Detroit bringing home a Super Bowl, his impact on the franchise as a whole was undeniable.