D.J. Reed has been sensational for the Detroit Lions over their last three games, posting a 91.0 coverage grade from PFF and finally generating a turnover in Week 8 to really make that number pop. After an unbelievably slow start to the year, Reed has emerged as the starting-caliber cornerback that the Lions have always needed him to be since signing him in 2025.
This recent explosiveness from Reed shouldn't preclude the Lions from attempting to land another starting cornerback at the trade deadline, though.
Imagine having two capable outside corners, in addition to a healthy Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph? Not only that, but imagine having a viable starting option if Reed deals with further injury woes, such as the hip injury he suffered against the Minnesota Vikings. It should remain front of mind for the Lions, and it's why we're adding another cornerback to our big board with eight days until the deadline.
1. Sauce Gardner, Indianapolis Colts
If you wanted to point to a reason for the Colts' 2-6 start to the season, and their potential impending fire-sale at the deadline, you can't point to their defense being one. Gardner, as well as cornerback Charvarius Ward, have had solid seasons for the Colts.
Gardner, though, has continued to have the same issue he had while with the New York Jets - his impact isn't directly felt because he's not racking up interceptions or pass breakups. That doesn't mean he isn't good in coverage, despite what PFF's grades might tell you about him. He does have six pass breakups through seven games played, though.
The Detroit native is a great fit for the Lions in a few ways: they need another legitimate starting outside corner, he's familiar with working next to Reed from their Jets days, and he fits the Lions' timeline as a younger defender. A second round pick would likely need to be dealt to make this work, but you take that swing if you're the Lions and you're not being asked to deal a first-rounder.
2. Charvarius Ward
Ward is the other name to monitor from the Colts. The veteran comes with a big caveat - he's got a scary concussion history that could knock him out of the game for good if he suffered another - but, he's an immediately serviceable starting outside corner that the Lions could plug into their defense. He's got six pass breakups on the year (tied with Gardner), in addition to 25 total tackles.
Ward could probably be had for a cheaper draft price than Gardner. We're talking third- or fourth-rounder dealt to the Colts for his services, although they might ask for more given the Lions' greater need for a defensive back. Ward carries a cap hit of $24.6 million in 2027, which is about on par for the teams' current starters on defense.
3. Riq Woolen
A name that Lions fans are probably familiar with due to free agency this past offseason is Riq Woolen. The Philadelphia Eagles cornerback could've been had by Detroit without giving up any draft capital in the process, but now, they'll need to pay Philadelphia from their current trove of picks. Woolen's a great press coverage corner who would probably cost the Lions at 3rd, at the least.
One area of Woolen's game that might not be a great fit for the Lions has nothing to necessarily do with his skill as a pass defender, but more so with his ability to keep his head on straight when facing adversity. He's got five penalties on the year so far - two for holding, two for illegal contact, and one for pass interference - and Detroit really can't afford to allow their opponents to gain even more yardage in the air by simply drawing penalties on Woolen.
Still, for a shot at landing a slightly-above average cornerback, you have to check in if you're the Lions.
4. Cody Barton
Following a season-ending injury to Jimmy Rolder, and a very scary injury to Jack Campbell, the Lions are down their captain of the defense and one of their most impressive rookies this season - both linebackers. While their depth is genuinely fine right now, it would behoove them to shore things up behind players like Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez moving forward.
Barton could be on the trade block depending on the Tennessee Titans' aggression right now. They just dealt Jeffrey Simmons, an All-Pro defensive tackle, to the Chicago Bears for two first-rounders, but you should not expect a similar ask for Barton's talents.
The defender has 24 solo tackles on the season, and can be utilized in coverage or as an additional pass rusher, alongside Barnes. Justin Melo, the site expert for Titan Sized, recently wrote of Barton:
"The Titans appreciate Barton for his off-field leadership and maturity. On the field, he's an excellent communicator who consistently ensures the defense is aligned correctly. Sunday, you saw a Titans defense that is getting more comfortable with Saleh's scheme. Barton has played a valued role in the process."
One thing that stands out about this evaluation: his "excellent" communication. Losing Campbell means losing an organizer for the Lions' defense, so adding someone like Barton could be extremely valuable to keeping some of the unit together in his expect absence.
5. Alontae Taylor
Taylor remains an intriguing option for the Lions, and another Titan defender to consider, but he's coming off an excellent Week 8 game against the Cincinnati Bengals which did one of two things: either he's brought himself back to life on their roster, and will be held onto, or his trade price has gone up as a result of his game.
One huge forced fumble, five quarterback pressures, and five total tackles showed exactly why the cornerback is a natural at the nickel position, which is where he took every single snap of his Week 8 performance against the Bengals.
Alontae Taylor said he felt at home back in the nickel pic.twitter.com/xx7XqmWqMM
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) November 1, 2026
This is still a position of need for the Lions, if not to add some depth behind Roger McCreary. And, McCreary hasn't done enough to really solidify that job as his. Taylor should still be in consideration for the Lions, and could still possibly be had for a 3rd-round pick.
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