It has not been fun watching the Detroit Lions' defensive secondary struggle against big-time passing games this season.
The worst may have been last Sunday, as Green Bay Packers' backup quarterback Matt Flynn passed for 480 yards and six touchdowns. Drew Brees has to be rubbing his hands in anticipation of facing Detroit's defensive backs when the Lions and New Orleans Saints clash in Saturday's NFC wild card game.
How well might that secondary have performed with All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel on the Lions' roster? That almost happened, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane.
The Philadelphia Eagles had a deal in place with the Lions that would've sent Samuel to Detroit for a second-round pick and two second-day selections. The trade was close enough to happening that Eagles GM Howie Roseman had the Lions contact Samuel.
However, Roseman pushed for getting a first-round pick from the Lions and the deal subsequently fell apart.
Perhaps the two teams could revisit the deal after the season, as the Eagles will likely attempt to trade Samuel again in order to avoid paying him $8.4 million. Having to pay that salary might mean that a team like the Lions wouldn't have to surrender as much in exchange.
Of course, that does nothing to help the Lions this season, as they face one of the most lethal passing games in the NFL for their first playoff game in 12 years. Think about what could've been as you watch Eric Wright hold out his arms in frustration, wondering how he was burned yet again for a long touchdown pass.