As free agency nears next week, the Detroit Lions may look to strengthen their defense by adding a veteran cornerback.
Currently, the Lions’ cornerback depth chart features Amik Robertson along with 2024 draft picks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. The team might retain veterans like Carlton Davis, Kindle Vildor, and Khalil Dorsey, but if these players move on, Detroit will have a youthful group at the position.
With the increasing salary cap, the Lions, led by general manager Brad Holmes, have the resources to pursue some of the top cornerbacks available this offseason. Here are seven players the Lions should consider as free agency kicks off:
Darius Slay
Darius Slay recently expressed interest in a reunion with the Lions during an appearance on Amon-Ra St. Brown’s podcast. After being released by the Eagles following their Super Bowl win, Slay is not the shutdown corner he once was, but his veteran experience could still be invaluable. A potential one-year contract would bring leadership and winning pedigree to the young cornerback group, including Arnold and Rakestraw.
Paulson Adebo
Paulson Adebo is recovering from a broken femur suffered in Week 7, so his market value is uncertain. However, he’s a proven talent with ties to Detroit’s coaching staff, having played under new passing game coordinator David Shaw at Stanford. Adebo has 10 career interceptions, including seven in the last two seasons, making him a potential asset to the Lions’ defense.
Rasul Douglas
Rasul Douglas is familiar with NFC North play, having spent parts of three seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Since being traded to the Buffalo Bills, he’s remained productive. Despite some struggles in coverage, Douglas is a reliable tackler with a low missed tackle percentage (8.8% in 2024) and could provide valuable depth for Detroit’s young cornerbacks.
Kristian Fulton
Kristian Fulton has struggled early in his career but showed significant improvement over the past couple of seasons. After starting 14 games for the Los Angeles Chargers last year, he earned a solid PFF defensive grade of 68.9. With his size and length, Fulton could develop further in Detroit’s man-coverage system, making him a worthwhile short-term investment with long-term potential.
Byron Murphy
One of the top cornerbacks on the free agent market, Byron Murphy had an exceptional season with the Minnesota Vikings, recording six interceptions. He’s shown the ability to limit opposing quarterbacks, holding them to an 80.4 passer rating when targeting him. Murphy’s strong performance in man coverage could make him an ideal shutdown corner for the Lions.
Isaiah Rodgers
Isaiah Rodgers, after serving a season-long suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling rules, played a key role in the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. Though he only started three games, Rodgers contributed significantly to their defense. His versatility allows him to play both inside and outside, and his 50% completion percentage against him makes him an intriguing depth piece for the Lions.
Tavierre Thomas
The final player on the list is Tavierre Thomas, a Ferris State alum with Detroit roots. The Lions hosted him on a free-agent visit last year, and he could be a valuable addition for both his defensive and special teams abilities. Though his production was mostly on special teams last season, Thomas’ extensive experience in that area (with 1,869 special teams snaps in his career) could help the Lions maintain strength in that unit.
As the Lions prepare for free agency, these cornerbacks could provide a mix of veteran leadership, depth, and potential for the team’s future success.
Stay tuned for more updates from Lions onSI.
