Detroit Lions: Is this free agent cornerback a target?

The Detroit Lions could use free agency to solidify their defensive secondary. Is this free agent cornerback on their radar?

The Detroit Lions ranked eighth in passing defense in 2018, allowing only 225 yards through the air to opposing offenses per game. Still, everyone realizes there is a gaping void that needs to be filled at cornerback.

On one side, the Lions have a two-time Pro Bowler in Darius Slay. The 28-year old recorded 43 tackles, 17 pass defends and three interceptions in 2018. The other cornerbacks (Nevin Lawson, Teez Tabor, Mike Ford, DeShawn Shead) registered a combined six total pass defends and posted no interceptions.

There is a steep talent drop between Slay and his counterparts currently on the roster. So finding a starting cornerback to pair with Darius figures to be a major priority for the Lions in 2019. And although Detroit owns the eighth overall selection in the first round of the upcoming draft, rookie corners typically need extra time to develop.

It’s rare to find a Pro Bowl-level starter at the position in Year One, although Cleveland Browns’ cornerback Denzel Ward was able to do so just last season. Ward was also the fourth overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. And there does not appear to be a cornerback of his caliber available in this current class.

Therefore, it makes perfect sense that the Lions would turn to free agency to find a veteran corner who is capable of stepping in and becoming a starter from Day One. NFL.com’s Marc Sessler recently identified Ronald Darby as a possible fit in the Motor City.

"“The Lions vastly improved their run defense last season after trading for mammoth tackle Damon Harrison. They still require help rushing the passer, though, and desperately need a cornerback. Even coming off a torn ACL, Darby is the biggest FA prize at the position and would get Detroit’s team-building process off to a promising start. Imagine the Lions generating some excitement for a change?”"

Darby (5-foot-11, 193-pounds) was a second-round selection out of Florida State back in 2015 by the Buffalo Bills. After a stellar rookie season, where he posted 68 tackles, 21 pass defends and two interceptions as a 15-game starter, Darby was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles after his second-year amidst a coaching regime change in Buffalo.

The 25-year old has spent the last two injury-plagued years in Philly, although he did start in and helped the Eagles to win the franchise’s first Super Bowl at the end of the 2017 season.

His recent injuries should worry the Detroit Lions, but Ronald Darby undoubtedly possesses the talent to excel in the Motor City’s secondary.