Detroit Lions’ Need at Cornerback Just Got Bigger

The market for free agent cornerback Eric Wright looked robust enough yesterday that it looked like the Lions could get pushed out of the picture.

Fears that Wright would move on via free agency were realized this morning when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Wright and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had agreed to a deal:

First deal of day is in: CB Eric Wright reached agreement with Tampa Bay, signing deal today.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2012

After playing on a on-year, $2 million deal with the Lions, Wright was able to secure five years and $37.5 million from the Bucs.

Chris Houston, Aaron Berry and Alphonso Smith remain on the roster although Smith has been rumored to be on the trading block. Look for the Lions to find a value-based cornerback when the big bucks stop flying around and to make the position a priority in next month’s draft.

If you’re one that tends to take optimistic views of situations, here’s something to cling to:

If you’re looking for a bright side to losing Wright, it could mean the Lions get a comp pick next yr for the 1st time in a while

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 14, 2012

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