3 veteran free agents the Detroit Lions could still sign

3. CB Trae Waynes

It’s safe to say Waynes’ tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals did not go well, bordering on a disaster if such a thing can be put in that term. He missed the entire 2020 season due to a torn pectoral, then he played only five games last season for the eventual AFC champs due to a hamstring issue. Over those 243 snaps in 2021, he had a rough run as he allowed 9.5 yards per target and a 140.0 passer rating in his coverage with just one pass breakup.

A former first-round pick by the Vikings in 2015, Waynes was a solid corner for much of his tenure in Minnesota. Not great, but solid, with 53 starts over 74 games (44 starts from 2017-2019). Over the 2016-2019 seasons, he had 38 pass breakups with at least 50 total tackles in three of those seasons. His Pro Football Focus grades over that four-season stretch back up that solid all-around play.

Injuries impacted him greatly the last two years, perhaps irretrievably to get back to that respectable level in Minnesota. But the stench of being a free agent bust in Cincinnati doesn’t have to follow Waynes to his next team. The Lions could give him an opportunity on a cheap flier, and add his experience to a cornerback room that still needs some if he can stick.