5 free agent cornerbacks the Detroit Lions could sign to replace Cameron Sutton
After releasing Cameron Sutton, the Lions have some solid free agent cornerback options to consider.
It was inevitable based on the allegation against him, and it happened quickly. After authorities in Florida issued an arrest warrant for Cameron Sutton on Wednesday, the Detroit Lions released the veteran cornerback on Thursday.
A segment of Lions' fans wanted Sutton gone after his rough first season with the team in 2023. He was lined up to get a chance to redeem himself next season, in a lower-pressure role after the addition of Carlton Davis. But the severity of his alleged off the field transgression changed everything very quickly.
For better or worse, the Lions now have a prominent spot open on their cornerback depth chart. Brad Holmes made a concerted effort to address the biggest weakness on the roster right away this offseason, trading for Davis and signing Amik Robertson before Day 2 of free agency was over. The door was still open to add someone though, among remaining free agents or the draft, and now there's some measure of added urgency to that idea with Sutton gone.
Drafting a cornerback may still happen, perhaps early in next month's proceedings. But the Lions should be looking for a veteran to add, and these five make a lot of sense.
5 free agent cornerback options for Detroit Lions to replace Cameron Sutton
5. Adoree' Jackson
Jackson is coming off a rough 2023 season with the New York Giants, as he switched roles during the season (moving from the slot to outside) and his PFF grades suffered (48.6 overall, 45.9 coverage grade). He has also missed at least three games in five straight seasons.
But before last season, Jackson had two nice seasons for the Giants. If you then throw out 2020 as a small sample, since he only played three games, he has posted an overall PFF grade of 70 or better in each of his other five seasons
Jackson has mostly played on the outside, but he can play in the slot too and the Lions value that versatility. He also has return game ability, which enhances his value. Having played in the Giants' blitz-heavy scheme should do him some favors with the Lions too.