The Detroit Lions may be seeking a cornerback this offseason due to a lack of depth at the position and the potential loss of Carlton Davis in free agency. Davis, a veteran, played 13 games for Detroit in 2024 before suffering a fractured jaw in the Lions’ Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Rookie Terrion Arnold, who started 15 games during his first season, has become a key player on the defense. The No. 24 overall pick in 2024 deflected ten passes and allowed a 61.2% completion rate on 98 targets that year.
If Davis leaves in free agency and the Lions require a starting cornerback opposite Arnold, CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani predicts that general manager Brad Holmes will target New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo to fill the role.
“Here’s maybe a forgotten free agent that could be the gem of the class,” Dajani wrote. “Paulson Adebo suffered a broken femur in Week 7, but was having a career year before being injured. The Lions need to upgrade the secondary, and Adebo would do just that.”
As Dajani mentioned, Adebo’s season was cut short by the broken femur, limiting him to just seven games in 2024. Despite the injury, the 2021 third-round pick was having a standout year and is considered one of the more overlooked free agents this offseason.
The 25-year-old cornerback intercepted three passes and broke up 10 others during his seven starts. He also allowed a 59.6% completion rate on 57 targets and posted a 67.0 passer rating when targeted.
Adebo also had an impressive 2023 season, starting 15 games and recording four interceptions. He allowed just a 56.8% completion rate on 88 targets and a 69.9 passer rating when targeted.
Spotrac estimates Adebo could sign a two-year contract worth $22 million, while Pro Football Focus projects a three-year deal valued at $40 million with $25 million guaranteed.
The Lions’ estimated cap space sits at $46 million, providing sufficient funds to sign Adebo and address other roster needs.
Though Adebo is recovering from a serious injury, the former Stanford standout is an emerging talent and would make an excellent CB2 alongside Arnold. If Davis departs, Holmes should consider pursuing Adebo in free agency.
