Seattle traded Lawrence Jackson to Detroit for a 2011…
Seattle traded Lawrence Jackson to Detroit for a 2011 sixth-round pick and selected Byron Maxwell. Jackson was productive for the Lions, recording 13 sacks in three seasons despite never starting a game there. Maxwell developed into a starting corner on Seattle’s championship secondary, intercepted six passes across 2013 and 2014, and won Super Bowl XLVIII. Detroit received real value, but Maxwell’s higher-leverage role gives Seattle the edge.
Seattle Seahawks Received
- pick 2011 6th round pick (173rd overall, Byron Maxwell)
Detroit Lions Received
- player Lawrence Jackson
Trade Analysis
Why Detroit Acquired Jackson
Seattle traded former first-round defensive end Lawrence Jackson to Detroit in August 2010 for a 2011 sixth-round pick. The Lions were rebuilding a defensive front around Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch, while the new Seahawks regime was moving away from a player selected by the previous front office. Detroit bought a young pass rusher at a very low draft cost.
What Jackson Gave the Lions
Jackson was productive in a rotational role. He appeared in 37 games over three Detroit seasons and recorded 13 sacks, including six in 2010 and 4.5 in 2011. He did not start a game for the Lions, but his pass-rush production made the sixth-round price worthwhile. Detroit clearly did not waste the selection it surrendered.
What Seattle Received
The Seahawks used pick No. 173 in 2011 on Clemson cornerback Byron Maxwell. After two developmental seasons, Maxwell became a significant part of the Legion of Boom secondary. He intercepted four passes in 2013, started five regular-season games and played during Seattle’s Super Bowl XLVIII championship run. In 2014 he started 12 games and intercepted two more passes as Seattle returned to the Super Bowl.
How the Value Compares
Jackson delivered more immediate statistical production than many sixth-round trades ever produce. Maxwell, however, became a starting corner on an elite defense at the exact time Seattle was contending for championships. His role at a premium position and postseason importance create the stronger team-specific return.
Final Verdict
Seattle Seahawks Win. Maxwell’s championship-era value earns Seattle an A-. Detroit receives a B because 13 sacks from Jackson for a sixth-round pick was a genuinely good acquisition. This is a quality trade for both teams, with Seattle landing the more valuable long-term piece.