Seattle traded Julian Peterson to Detroit for Cory Redding…
Seattle traded Julian Peterson to Detroit for Cory Redding and the 137th pick. Redding spent one season with the Seahawks, appearing in 15 games with three starts and two sacks, while the pick was later moved in another draft trade. Peterson became a two-year Detroit starter, making 28 starts and recording 159 combined tackles with 5.5 sacks. The Lions received the stronger direct football value.
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Cory Redding
- pick 2009 5th round pick (137th overall subsequently traded, Jason Phillips )
Detroit Lions Received
- player Julian Peterson
Trade Analysis
Why Seattle Moved Peterson
The Seahawks traded linebacker Julian Peterson to Detroit in March 2009 for defensive lineman Cory Redding and pick No. 137. Seattle was changing direction after a 4-12 season and moved an accomplished veteran with a sizable contract. Detroit, coming off an 0-16 season, wanted proven defensive talent immediately.
What Detroit Received
Peterson became a full-time Lions starter for two seasons. In 2009 he started 14 games, recorded 76 combined tackles and produced 4.5 sacks. He started 14 more games in 2010 and added 83 combined tackles. His pass-rush peak from earlier seasons was fading, but Detroit still received 28 starts and meaningful defensive production from an established linebacker.
What Seattle Received
Redding appeared in 15 games for Seattle in 2009 but started only three and recorded two sacks. He left after one season and continued a productive career elsewhere. Seattle also received No. 137, which became part of the club's draft-day movement to acquire receiver Deon Butler. That preserved some value, but the direct return never became a multi-year Seattle starter.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The original Seattle-favored evaluation overstates the pick component and understates Peterson's Detroit workload. Detroit acquired two seasons of regular starting play. Seattle received one rotational season from Redding plus draft flexibility. Peterson's durability and two years in Detroit's starting lineup therefore create the clearer realized value gap.
Final Verdict
Detroit Lions Win. Detroit earns a B for Peterson's 28 starts and solid production. Seattle receives a C because Redding contributed and the fifth-rounder retained value, but the Seahawks did not match Detroit's sustained starting return.