1. Trade for Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed
The Lions survived lackluster cornerback play for much of the 2023 regular season, and through most of the postseason as it grew worse over time.
But a legitimate Super Bowl-caliber team can not have Kindle Vildor playing playing nearly every snap at one perimeter corner spot, and an overmatched Cameron Sutton offering no resistance to the opponent's No. 1 wide receiver on the other side. Holmes has to realize anything close to that status quo last season ended with will keep the Lions from reaching/winning the Super Bowl next season.
Sneed was of course franchise tagged by the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, as had been expected. But a trade is firmly in play, and apparently an amenable move for both sides. The non-exclusive tag also allows other teams to negotiate with Sneed. The Chiefs can match any offer, or let him go and receive two first-round picks.
Multiple reports have pointed to the Lions as a top suitor for Sneed, and Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY has reported seven teams have interest (including the Lions of course). More generally, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the Lions are thought to be looking to add a high-end corner.
Acquiring Sneed, one way or the other, will require giving him a big contract. Surrendering draft capital, one way or the other (via trade or an offer that's not matched), might be a non-starter for some. But there's a strong case for surrendering this year's second-round pick, No. 61 overall and a lower or future pick. Or maybe just this year's first-round pick?
If the price for L'Jarius Sneed really is only a 2nd, the Detroit Lions couldn't make a better investment this offseason than trade and new deal.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) March 7, 2024
Should the Lions consider trading the 29th pick in the draft for L'Jarius Sneed? pic.twitter.com/ee3Gm3rTmy
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) March 6, 2024
Signing Sutton last offseason was a bet on him becoming a legit No. 1 cornerback. It did not work out, and even if he improves next season he'll be better off not lining up against guys like Justin Jefferson.
Sneed proved himself as a lockdown corner against some very good receivers last season, and the Lions could still fill out the depth chart around him with a cheaper veteran and/or a rookie (as laid out here by Mike Payton of AtoZSports).
If the Lions want to win Super Bowl LIX, there can be no half-measures to add in certain areas this offseason. Edge rusher is one, but a legit top-end cornerback is clearly No. 1. Nothing should be out of the question if it means being able to add Sneed.