The Detroit Lions bowed out of the playoffs in the divisional round, which wasn't the outcome the team hoped after a great 2024 season. The biggest reason for this? Injuries on defensive side of the ball, specifically in the backfield.
Now, the Lions have managed to effectively bolster their depth at cornerback with multiple moves, which is a major development ahead of the 2025 season. But assuming they want to make a bolder addition, who could they deal away?
Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker identified a player for every team that could be on the trade block the rest of the offseason. In Detroit, he believes cornerback Amik Robertson fits the bill.
"The Lions addressed the loss of Carlton Davis III by signing D.J. Reed to a big-ticket deal, but the list of defensive players entering the last year of contracts is long. Robertson feels like one of the more likely players to be dealt."
"In his first year in Detroit, Robertson churned out a 62.2 PFF coverage grade but a stellar 89.7 PFF run-defense grade. Given that the Lions drafted Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round last year, the team should figure to get him additional reps this year — potentially by trading Robertson."
The Lions have better depth at cornerback now, and have a pair of youngsters in Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw who are going to shoulder a bigger load next season. In spite of that, they still need veteran safety nets who understand the system. Robertson provides this to the roster.
Detroit Lions shouldn't be dealing away cornerbacks given 2024 depth struggles
Last year, the Lions struggled to keep players on the field defensively. Cornerback is one of the most important positions because of the league's reliance on passing. That's true in the NFC North with the talented Caleb Williams and Jordan Love. After what Detroit witnessed last season, they shouldn't be in a rush to deal anyone from their backfield.
Robertson fits well with the Lions, and embodies everything Detroit stands for on defense. He's a gritty player who plays with a chip on his shoulder. When he was forced to exit early against the Washington Commanders in the playoffs with a broken arm, the Lions defense fell apart quickly, showing how important he became down the stretch.
The Lions have made some surprising shakeups to defensive line this offseason, choosing instead to bolster the secondary. It shows they are banking on Aidan Hutchinson and the underrated players they have being enough to carry the weight of the pass rush. If that's going to work, the Lions have to remain elite on the back end.
There's no reason for the Lions to deal Robertson, because realistically, they shouldn't anticipate to receive much in a hypothetical deal. It's clear that Robertson offers more value to the Lions in 2025 by staying on the roster than being shipped out.