The Detroit Lions boast arguably the NFL's best safety tandem, and they can thank the Green Bay Packers for one half of the dynamic duo. It's crazy to think a heated division rival contributed to their competitor claiming the past two NFC North crowns, but that's the reality.
Brian Branch has been vital to Detroit's success in the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell era, helping elevate them from plucky underdog to perennial contender. Lions fans typically don’t have nice things to say to or about the Packers, though they take a much more appreciative tone for this godsend.
Lions fans still astonished Packers gifted Detroit Brian Branch
One Reddit user recently took a moment to remind everyone that the Lions “nabbed one of the best defensive players in the league” in Branch. All it took was packaging the No. 159 overall pick with their second-round pick to jump three spots in a rare swap with Green Bay.
One Pride Nation is (rightfully) still as giddy as the Lions’ war room was when they traded up to snag Branch in the 2023 draft. The former Alabama standout has been a star from the onset of his pro career, which is grounds for continued elation in itself. Nevertheless, knowing the Packers were a vessel for this awesome outcome only makes it even sweeter for folks in the Motor City.
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Branch has been indispensable to the Lions, courtesy of the Packers. His versatility has given Detroit a chess piece that can move around the formation and excel in all areas. He’s logged snaps at safety, cornerback (both out wide and in the slot), in the box and along the defensive line.
Green Bay supporters will note that enabling the Lions to get Branch netted their club a solid haul. The deal brought wide receivers Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks to Titletown, plus defensive lineman Karl Brooks. All have been key players for the Packers, albeit to varying degrees.
Yet, you can quite easily argue that the Reed, Wicks and Brooks trio haven’t matched Branch’s impact in Detroit. The wideout duo continues to battle for opportunities in a crowded pass-catching group; one has dealt with injuries while the other has had drop problems. Meanwhile, the latter of the Packers’ additions as part of the move has been a rotational pass rusher.