The Detroit Lions cornerbacks could have used more depth even with Cameron Sutton on the team. However, now that the reigning NFC finalists have parted ways with the troubled defensive back, the position is a serious concern. After decades of struggling to find consistent success, Detroit finally has the foundation in place to build a sustained winner. Dan Campbell is a reliable head coach, Jared Goff is perfect for Ben Johnson’s offense, the offensive line is one of the best in the league, and Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta form one of the best 1-2 punches in the league.
The biggest problem is on the defensive side of the ball. Last year, Detroit managed to overcome this below-average unit, but they’ll need to improve if they want to win it all in 2024. While they’ve added guys like Carlton Davis and Marcus Davenport to the secondary, the Lions still need one or two more cornerbacks if they want a championship-caliber defense.
With the NFL Draft less than a month away, the Lions are probably looking at the top cornerbacks in the class. However, Dan Campbell recently said that they could sign one of the top remaining free agents.
“Certainly, there are still some guys we are looking at in free agency that can bring in some competition. That may or may not be done before the draft.”
Dan Campbell: Lions In Contact With Free Agent Cornerbacks
If the Lions are targeting a veteran, then they’re probably looking at cornerbacks like Stephon Gilmore, Adoree’ Jackson, and Steven Nelson. Gilmore is easily the best of the bunch, as the former Defensive Player of the Year proved he can still be an above-average starter last year with the Cowboys. While he’s not the lockdown presence he used to be, he could join with Davis and Brian Burns to form a reliable secondary.
Jackson and Nelson, meanwhile, are probably better off in a CB3 role but would still be an upgrade on the Lions current cornerbacks. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, you need at least three players capable of matching up against good wide receivers, especially when you play in the NFC North. Jordan Love looks like he has a bright future, the Minnesota Vikings have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and the Bears have Keenan Allen, D.J. Moore, and Caleb Williams.
The Lions need some cornerbacks, but they’re not alone in that roster flaw. Several teams are looking for help at arguably the game’s most important defensive position, and these other teams could prevent Detroit from landing their preferred options.
Other Cornerback-Needy Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City’s secondary is suddenly something of a weak link following the L’Jarius Sneed trade . Trent McDuffie is a star in the making, but this team could use another proven option opposite the former first-round pick. Armed with over $26 million in cap space, this team has the financial resources to outbid the Lions for any of the free agent cornerbacks.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts came this close to landing L’Jarius Sneed, which means they’re in the market for help in the secondary. The AFC South features four prominent young quarterbacks who could all have great seasons in 2024, so Indianapolis needs as much defensive help as they can get. While they don’t have as much cap space as the Lions, the Colts could easily make a move for any of these cornerbacks.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers signed Jadeveon Clowney and are reportedly interested in signing his old high school teammate. Stephon Gilmore could reunite with the Carolina Panthers, as the organization needs another defensive back or two. While the Lions have more money, the cornerback is from South Carolina and would probably welcome an opportunity to play for his hometown team.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have a great young cornerback in Christian Gonzalez, but they could use more depth at the position. Stephon Gilmore spent his best years with the Patriots, and while Bill Belichick isn’t there anymore, there are plenty of holdovers who should know how to get the best out of the veteran. The Patriots have the most cap space in the league, and they could outspend the Lions for Gilmore or any of the free agent cornerbacks.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants to play an old-school style of football, which means building a strong defense. When you share a division with the Kansas City Chiefs, you need cornerbacks capable of taking receivers out of the game. While none of the free agent cornerbacks are lockdown players at this point in their respective careers, the Chargers could target any one of them and steal them from the Lions.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
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