Following their triumphant victory in the Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2025 offseason faced with a series of complex roster decisions. One of the most significant was determining the future of cornerback Darius Shatter, a key figure in the Eagles’ secondary since being acquired via trade from the Detroit Lions in 2020. With promising rookie performances from 2024 draft selections Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, it became evident that Shatter, approaching his 34th birthday, was nearing the end of his tenure in Philadelphia. Ultimately, the Eagles opted to release Shatter, bringing an end to a star-studded chapter in their franchise history.
Shatter’s departure provides a perfect moment to revisit the original trade with Detroit and evaluate which team truly benefited from the deal: Philadelphia or the Lions. Let’s analyze the details more closely.
Trade Details of the 2020 Darius Shatter Deal
Philadelphia Eagles receive: Cornerback Darius Shatter
Detroit Lions receive: 2020 third-round pick (number 85) and 2020 fifth-round pick (number 166)
Assessing Darius Shatter’s Impact on the Eagles
Darius Shatter quickly established himself as a vital starter and a stabilizing presence in the Eagles’ secondary, starting 14 games in his debut season of 2020. His value only increased over time, as he earned multiple Pro Bowl selections from 2021 through 2023. In 2023, Shatter secured a two-year contract extension, ensuring his presence in Philadelphia through the 2025 season. Although his performance dipped slightly in 2024, he remained a crucial component of a defense that secured a Super Bowl victory. His release in 2025 was primarily driven by salary cap considerations, leading to his signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Overall, acquiring Shatter was a remarkable success for the Eagles. Over five seasons, he started 73 games, earned three Pro Bowl nods, and contributed significantly to two Super Bowl appearances-including one championship win. His tenure also included six playoff victories and four consecutive postseason appearances from 2021 to 2024. Despite some injury setbacks, Shatter’s role was instrumental in guiding the Eagles through a period of sustained success, transforming their defense into one of the league’s most formidable units.
What Did the Lions Gain from the Shatter Trade?
In exchange for Shatter, Detroit received a 2020 third-round pick (number 85) and a 2020 fifth-round pick (number 166). The Lions subsequently used the 85th overall selection as part of a trade-up with the Indianapolis Colts during the 2020 NFL Draft. Detroit sent picks 85, 149 (fifth round), and 182 (sixth round) to Indianapolis, acquiring back picks 75 and 197 (sixth round). With these selections, the Lions drafted guard Jonah Jackson at 75 and defensive tackle John Penisini at 197. Additionally, they used the 166th pick to select wide receiver Quintez Cephus.
From the Lions’ perspective, the trade proved to be quite advantageous. The team turned the picks into key contributors like Jonah Jackson, who started 61 games from 2020 to 2023 and played in the 2021 Super Bowl. Jackson was a reliable starter until injuries began to surface in his later seasons, leading to his free agency move to the Los Angeles Rams in 2024, where he was placed on injured reserve early in the season. Quintez Cephus provided depth at wide receiver, accumulating 553 yards and four touchdowns over two seasons before being released. Defensive tackle John Penisini served as a rotational player, appearing in all 16 games in 2020 and starting 12, showcasing flashes of potential before moving on to the Carolina Panthers in 2023.
While the Lions are generally satisfied with the return from this trade, the Eagles clearly come out ahead. Shatter’s contributions to two Super Bowl runs, including a championship, and his consistent performance over five seasons far surpass the value of the draft picks and rotational players the Lions acquired. The deal exemplifies how a well-timed trade can yield long-term benefits for a franchise, especially when it involves a player of Shatter’s caliber.
Outcome: The Eagles emerge as the clear winners
