The Tigers, to their credit, have resisted trading Skubal before. At the 2024 deadline, before their late-season run to the playoffs, they told interested clubs they were going to hold onto Skubal based on their belief they could compete before his team control expired. And so they have.

As the Detroit Lions prepare for a pivotal Week 6 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Dan Campbell is making it clear that his team is facing more than just another opponent.