The Detroit Lions didn't have a dramatic trade deadline, but did make what could be viewed as an underrated move in adding veteran safety Andre Cisco from the New York Jets.
Cisco has the ability to play at one of the more key positions on the defense, which could serve as a big boost to the Lions. Not only did they get Brian Branch back a few weeks ago, but Kerby Joseph could soon be on the way to provide more reinforcement at the position.
No matter what happens with anyone else, the fact is, the Lions now have some major depth at safety. That position has been tested in recent weeks to the point where the Lions converted rookie Keith Abney II to the spot. The results of that experiment so far were good.
Still, the more immediate need for Detroit figures to be at cornerback. D.J. Reed is slated to miss his second straight game, and the entire season, there have been struggles at the spot. The Lions didn't make a move to address the position during the trade deadline, meaning they will be depending on the roster for immediate difference makers.
Hopefully, Abney can be that kind of player for the Lions as time goes by. It was only injury necessity which fostered his switch to safety. While he played that position well, he was drafted as a cornerback. Getting him back at that position and earning some valuable reps will help benefit the entire defense at this point.
The more Abney can grow at cornerback, the better off the Lions will be both now and in the long run. Cisco coming into the mix to improve the depth will directly benefit this at a key time in the season.
Cisco now ready to help Lions' defense by any means necessary
When he came into the mix this week, Cisco seemed thrilled to join the Lions by way of the Jets, who are having a dreadful losing season. Getting on the roster for a team like the Lions with serious playoff aspirations served as a major boost at this point of the season.
Not only was Cisco excited to get on the field, it seems his transition will be a smooth one as well. The Lions and Jets share a similar defensive terminology given the fact that Aaron Glenn is New York's head coach. For that reason, he sounds like he should be able to hit the ground running this week within the game plan.
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"We got our first practice in (Wednesday) and I felt good. There's a lot of rhythm and just a remembrance from the past with this these calls. (I want to) just continue to add to what they've already been building. They got a physical group, a violent group, and they focus on taking the ball away and most importantly stacking wins. So, I just want to add to that mindset and experience and and physicality to the back end."
Cisco doesn't have the position versatility that Abney has, so the fact he can chip in at safety will be huge for Detroit's depth. He will be able to boost the Lions at his particular spot, which will allow Abney to play his more natural position of cornerback.
Even though Lions fans were frustrated with the lack of a bigger move at the deadline, Cisco is ready to make an impact right now. His presence could free up others to excel in their more direct roster roles as soon as Week 10.
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