The Detroit Lions have got to fortify their secondary, especially after the departure of Amik Robertson for the Washington Commanders. That reported signing, worth two years, $16 million per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, It was something Detroit could've probably afforded, but they've also got several other huge needs, especially in their trenches.
That said, Detroit's got options in free agency to help rebuild that room, and it begins with players they've already showcased in 2025. Fans will remember the Legion of Whom days from the midway part of the toward the end of the season, which was an endearing term for a group of defenders that were signed as second and third string options for the Lions, and who became starters out of need.
Thomas Harper, Arthur Maulet, Rock Ya-Sin, and Nick Whiteside highlighted that group, and three of the four are hitting the market. With Robertson walking, don't be surprised to see the Lions lock in Ya-Sin, Maulet, and Whiteside on very team-friendly deals as they seek consistency in their secondary for 2026.
Legion of Whom might be biggest winners of Amik Robertson departure
By the numbers, none of the three Legion of Whom members should command a hugely expensive market. Maulet is probably going to net a similar deal to what he got with Detroit in 2025, which was one year at $1.25 million. Ya-Sin, who was huge for Detroit down the stretch of the season with Terrion Arnold out, is projected to net $1.3 million AAV by Spotrac.
As for Whiteside, he'll likely also get a one year, $1 million deal with the Lions if there are no other interested squads.
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These players were very sneakily huge for Detroit and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. And, if the Lions decide to invest more of their cap into their offensive line and edge rusher room, you can stand to believe that they won't be spending big on their secondary. Between cornerback and safety, they've got major question marks.
Adding some familiar faces to the room again by way of the Legion of Whom could help Sheppard ease in to a potentially tumultuous start to his sophomore campaign with the Lions, and can bring some decent relief behind Arnold and D.J. Reed should they deal with more injury woes. Of course, it'd be nice if Detroit could still net one or two additional defensive backs on the market.