How Much Will Everson Griffen Help The Lions?

Once again, the Detroit Lions made a move prior to the Nov. 3 trade deadline. In the past, there have been comings and goings. But this year, the Lions made a deal with the Dallas Cowboys to acquire Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Everson Griffen.

We still don't have the official compensation details, but it looks like Detroit has offered a conditional sixth-round pick that could turn into a fifth-rounder.

The news did not come as much of a shock. Despite being in contention for a playoff spot, the Cowboys can still afford to unload a defensive lineman now that former second-round pick Randy Gregory will return. Griffen signed a one-year deal back in August worth a total of $6 million.

The Lions add another presence to their defense while Dallas adds more draft capital and clears some much-needed cap space. It is a win-win for both parties involved. Griffen tweeted his reaction to the move:

But just how much will Griffen help Detroit's rotation? The answer to that question is still an unknown, but we do know it is a move that should help. Now in his eleventh season in the NFL, the USC product has managed 89 tackles for loss, 77 sacks and nine forced fumbles.

In seven games with the Cowboys this season, he produced 21 total tackles, three tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. It might not seem like much, but Griffen has also added 14 quarterback pressures in 282 snaps, the second-most snaps by a Dallas defensive lineman this season. Aldon Smith had the most with 369.

Now, Griffen will join a Detroit defensive front that includes Trey Flowers, Romeo Okwara, Danny Shelton and Da'Shawn Hand. It's a decent group, but it could use  more effective bodies. Like Hand, Griffen has the ability to play inside or out. That versatility is something head coach Matt Patricia covets.

The Lions (3-3) currently sit at No. 3 in the NFC North behind the Green Bay Packers (5-1) and Chicago Bears (5-2). Because the NFL decided to expand the playoffs by two teams, they still have a shot to make it to the postseason.

For that reason, renting Griffen for more than half the season is worth a late conditional pick.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.