The Detroit Lions’ defense faced significant struggles during their devastating divisional round loss to the Washington Commanders, allowing 38 points and 481 total yards to Jayden Daniels and the high-powered Washington offense.
Despite this playoff setback, the Lions’ defense had a strong regular season, earning defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn a head coaching position with the New York Jets.
A key area of growth for the team in 2024 was the secondary, particularly the cornerbacks. Rookie first-round pick Terrion Arnold started 15 games at corner and showed considerable promise. Carlton Davis, who served as the team’s CB1 for much of the season, unfortunately fractured his jaw during Detroit’s Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Davis had a solid 2024 season, but he will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, making his future with the Lions uncertain.
If Detroit is unable to re-sign Davis, Jaren Kawada of Clutch Points suggests general manager Brad Holmes should target San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward in the 2025 free agency period.
From a financial standpoint, Ward will likely be an expensive acquisition, but he would address a critical need for the Lions. Few cornerbacks are currently better in man-to-man coverage than Ward. Signing him would help mitigate the impact of losing Glenn.
While Ward had a challenging 2024 season, which was complicated by the tragic death of his daughter, he is still considered one of the league’s top cornerbacks. His skills were evident in 2023 when he recorded five interceptions, earned a Pro Bowl selection, and a second-team All-Pro honor, while allowing just a 54.5% completion rate on 101 targets.
The Lions are projected to have around $57 million in cap space this offseason, according to Over the Cap, which should provide enough room to sign Ward and address other team needs.
Pro Football Focus predicts that Ward will secure a three-year contract worth $43.5 million, with $25 million guaranteed, on the open market.
While losing Davis would be a blow, replacing him with Charvarius Ward—an elite cornerback just two seasons ago with significant playoff experience—would be a wise move by Brad Holmes.
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Ben Johnson Is Getting The Same Reaction From Everyone After The Lions’ Loss
After the Detroit Lions’ tough playoff defeat to the Washington Commanders, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has become a focal point of discussion around the league. He has conducted interviews with several teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, regarding their open coaching positions.
Johnson has quickly risen as the top candidate in the coaching market following his impressive season with Detroit. The Lions boasted the No. 1 offense in most major statistical categories, which has attracted the interest of teams that have struggled on offense in recent years.
With Johnson rumored to be the leading contender for the Raiders’ position, social media was flooded with calls from Raider Nation right after the Lions’ Saturday night loss, urging him to come to Las Vegas.
“Tom Brady said I’ve never seen that play in my life. Ben Johnson, you are a Raider,” one fan remarked after Detroit executed a trick play that resulted in a significant gain in the third quarter.
“Ben Johnson clearly wants to be a Raider sooner rather than later,” another fan said following the Lions’ defeat.
“Announce Ben Johnson to the Raiders now,” a user commented after the game.
“Ben Johnson will be the Raiders head coach by weekend’s end,” a Raiders fan posted.
While it’s uncertain whether Johnson will end up in Las Vegas, the trend certainly seems to be leaning in that direction.
