The Detroit Lions have been hard at work remaking their roster this offseason, and so far, the heaviest lifting has occured in the defensive backfield.
Not satisfied with their depth, the Lions added the elite D.J. Reed to play a starting role. For depth, they have added Rock Ya-Sin in addition to hometown option Avonte Maddox. Combined with youngsters Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, that's already a very deep group.
Should the Lions be in the market for another veteran cornerback? Interestingly enough, according to Bleacher Report, the answer is yes. Kristopher Knox revealed the best fits for top remaining free agents, and thinks the Lions should now be in the mix for Rasul Douglas.
"The 29-year-old also has a history of quickly adapting to new defensive environments. He latched on with the Green Bay Packers in 2021 and immediately made a difference. He did the same after being traded to Buffalo in 2023," Knox wrote.
"Douglas would be a strong fit for a team with legitimate playoff aspirations. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who ranked 29th in passing yards allowed last season, should be interested.
"The Detroit Lions should also give Douglas a look. Detroit has added the likes of D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin to its cornerback room this offseason, but it lost Carlton Davis and dealt with defensive depth issues a season ago."
Douglas has played for the Buffalo Bills the last two seasons, piling up 87 tackles, four interceptions and 13 passes defended. At 29 years old, he'd be a player in his prime to boost depth, but considering what the Lions already have on the roster and lack elsewhere, his addition could be redundant.
Detroit Lions should focus on signing a defensive end instead of another cornerback
This offseason, the Lions have chosen to go heavy in their defensive backfield, bolstering a group which struggled with depth most of 2024. Their heavy lifting there has come at the expense of expenditures elsewhere, specifically along the defensive line.
During the second half of the offseason leading into the NFL Draft, the Lions need to prioritize veteran additions to their defensive front. Several good fits remain, and the best is Matt Judon given what he can bring to the table for a young pass rush. Spending on one of these players makes more sense than adding another cornerback.
The Lions need to prioritize depth along the defensive line as much as they have prioritized help at cornerback. If they don't, it could eventually prove to be a struggle to rush the passer once again in 2025. Should that be the case, it might not matter how many reinforcements they have added to the secondary.
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