The Detroit Lions could use a cornerback to pair with Darius Slay in the secondary. Is two-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey the answer?
Questions about the Detroit Lions starting cornerback position opposite two-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay circled the franchise all offseason. The default winner ultimately became free-agent signee Rashaan Melvin after the Lions threw in the towel on former second-rounder Teez Tabor and released him.
Melvin has done an admirable job opposite Slay, recording 13 total tackles and a whopping five pass defends in two games. But that doesn’t mean the Lions couldn’t use an upgrade at the position. Especially considering the fact Melvin is only on a one-year deal in Detroit. And the Lions passing defense currently ranks 23rd in the NFL, allowing an average of 281 passing yards to opposing offenses.
On Monday, it was reported that Jacksonville Jaguars’ All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey wants to be traded. Selected fifth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, Ramsey is already a two-time Pro Bowler. He’s considered one of the most talented players in the league regardless of position and Jalen’s only 24-years old. Last season, Ramsey recorded 65 total tackles, 13 pass defends and three interceptions.
If the Lions acquired Ramsey, he would not only be an instant starter alongside Slay on the outside, but he would also be viewed as the future of the position. Jalen would be seen as the eventual replacement for the 28-year old Slay, who is entering his seventh season in Detroit and is clearly unhappy with his current contract.
Yet, there are several issues with trading for someone of Ramsey’s status. The first obstacle being his steep price tag. The bidding war surely starts with a future first-round selection and only goes up from there. Detroit would be mortgaging their future to obtain a possible Hall of Fame-level talent. And that’s not even taking into consideration the massive contract extension he’d require to stay long term.
Secondly, Ramsey’s attitude has to be considered as a sideline confrontation with Jags head coach Doug Marrone during their 13-12 loss the Houston Texans in Week Two seemed to be the final straw. The fourth-year defensive back has always exhibited a very unique personality that might not mesh well with old school Lions head coach Matt Patricia.
Finally, would Ramsey even want to play in Detroit? Make no mistake, the player’s desires must be considered here. Ramsey’s mentioned wanting to play for the Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans previously. How he feels about playing in the Motor City would certainly be a major factor.
Next. Ranking the Lions’ first round picks since 2010. dark
If the Detroit Lions feel like they are one player away from playoff relevance, taking a chance on a generational talent like Jalen Ramsey makes sense. But I doubt the Lions feel that way after how their first two games of the season have unfolded and likely value their high draft selections far too much to take the risk.