The Detroit Lions are part of a jam-packed race in the NFC and could also be in a division that is preparing to send every team to the playoffs. With that in mind, they could use a boost for their roster.
Most agree the Lions need their defense get another player in the weeks ahead, specifically in the defensive backfield. Detroit is set to get a boost at safety with Brian Branch's return, but help on the outside should still be considered a must.
Writer Gennaro Filice named some of the biggest needs for contenders across the NFL spectrum, and included the Lions in the piece. Naturally, he had cornerback as the answer for Detroit, and more specifically, a man coverage ace for the backfield.
"Giving up nearly 300 yards per game through the air -- a league worst 297.4, to be exact -- Detroit’s pass defense has hit bottom. Brian Branch’s impending return should provide a significant boost at safety, but cornerback remains a problem. D.J. Reed has yet to validate the three-year, $48 million contract he signed in the 2025 offseason, while 2024 first-round pick Terrion Arnold was released over the summer due to serious legal issues."
"With an underwhelming collection of corners, Kelvin Sheppard has mostly dialed back Detroit’s usage of man coverage, though the embattled defensive coordinator did just deploy it at a season-high clip of 51.9% percent of the snaps last time out. Clearly, Dan Campbell’s Lions favor aggressiveness, but if they want to play their coverage of choice, they must aggressively pursue a proven asset on the island."
The Lions have been forced to change philosophically this season under Sheppard, and it hasn't produced great results. Finding a player who better fits the scheme could be the quickest way to find a turnaround, and could effectively get Sheppard off the hot seat relative to what's gone on thus far this season.
A sticky coverage cornerback could be a fast way for the Lions to flip their fortunes defensively. Interestingly enough, a top new option may have emerged at the right time to fill this gap.
Sauce Gardner stands out as intriguing Lions fit given their big need
Hearing the Lions could use a man-heavy cornerback is likely music to the ears of those who believe that it's time for Gardner, a Detroit native, to come home. A few years ago, he was one of the best man cornerbacks in the league, and looked like he was going to be a top young player for years to come.
Last season at the trade deadline, Gardner was dealt to the Indianapolis Colts. Ever since, the Colts have cratered and he hasn't played fantastically either. Given the amount of resources that were required to bring him into the fold, it might be a stretch to think the Colts will give up on him, but given the need for their franchise to rebuild under new leadership, it could be a necessity.
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In that scenario, the Lions need to be the first team in line for his services, and not only because his story would represent a homecoming. Detroit could put Gardner in the best possible position to succeed given all of the other players they have on the roster. With Branch coming back and Keith Abney II emerging, the Lions might have a new duo on their hands at safety.
Gardner could be in position to succeed in Detroit relative to what he does best. He'd come in underrated and have something to prove. The Lions' scheme could give him the freedom to execute in a way closer to what he showed with the New York Jets. At 25, there is still plenty of runway for him to grow into elite form within a better defense.
Providing he's healthy in the weeks ahead and also providing the Lions can get Gardner for a fair return, it could be a masterstroke from Brad Holmes. If Holmes agrees with the sentiment that a man cornerback is the biggest need, Gardner could be the ideal addition.
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