Lions don’t make sense as top fit to sign yet another veteran cornerback
Bleacher Report has linked the Detroit Lions to another free-agent cornerback, but adding him may not be the best move given more pressing defensive priorities.
The Lions have been actively reshaping their roster this offseason, with their biggest focus on the secondary. They bolstered their cornerback group by signing D.J. Reed as a starter and adding Rock Ya-Sin and hometown option Avonte Maddox for depth. Alongside young talents Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, Detroit’s secondary is already well-stocked.
Despite this, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests the Lions should pursue Rasul Douglas, highlighting his ability to quickly adjust to new teams, as seen with Green Bay in 2021 and Buffalo in 2023. Knox believes Douglas would be a strong addition for a playoff contender, noting that both Tampa Bay and Detroit could benefit from his experience.
Douglas, who recorded 87 tackles, four interceptions, and 13 passes defended over the last two seasons with Buffalo, remains a valuable option. However, given Detroit’s existing depth at cornerback and greater needs elsewhere, signing him may not be necessary.
Detroit Lions should focus on signing a defensive end instead of another cornerback
This offseason, the Lions have heavily invested in their secondary, strengthening a unit that lacked depth for much of 2024. However, this focus has come at the cost of addressing other areas, particularly the defensive line.
As the offseason progresses toward the NFL Draft, Detroit should shift its attention to adding veteran help up front. Several quality options remain, with Matt Judon standing out as the best fit to support a young pass rush. Investing in a defensive lineman would be a more logical move than signing another cornerback.
The Lions must give their defensive front the same level of attention as their secondary. If they fail to do so, pass-rushing struggles could persist in 2025—potentially rendering their upgrades at cornerback far less impactful.