The Detroit Lions notably added Carlton Davis in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday evening, but adding another veteran cornerback was certainly in play. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Lions have agreed to terms on a two-year, $9.25 million deal with cornerback Amik Robertson.
Per Pelissero, Robertson can earn up to $10.75 with incentives. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added the deal has $4.5 million in guaranteed money. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Robertson is getting a $3.3 million signing bonus.
Robertson was a fourth-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. His role notably increased his last two years there, with at total of 19 starts and over 670 defensive snaps in both seasons. In 2023, he played in all 17 games (12 starts), with 50 total tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups and a forced fumble. He played every game for the Raiders over the last two seasons.
According to Pro Football Focus, Robertson allowed 40 catches on 64 targets for 445 yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions and an 85.7 passer rating allowed (406 coverage snaps) last season.
Robertson is a small corner (5-foot-9, 183 pounds) with inside/outside versatility, though he mostly played on the outside with the Raiders and held up well.
Amik Robertson seems to fit what Lions want in a cornerback
Robertson might be small, but in a story written by Tashan Reed of The Athletic late last season Raiders' head coach Antonio Pierce noted the swagger he plays with.
"First of all, he’s extremely talented when the ball is in the air,” Pierce, now the Raiders’ interim head coach, said. “He’s probably one of the more physical DBs, as well. You always see him punch the ball, coming through making tackles. I don’t want to call it the little man complex, but he walks around like he’s 6-2, 220 sometimes, and he’s fearless. He’s a smart football player. He has confidence, and I’m glad he’s finally having success on the field.”
Robertson is versatile enough to play outside and in the slot, and he despite hiccups that may show otherwise he's a solid and willing tackler. Brad Holmes has publicly placed importance on tackling for a cornerback, as has new defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend.
Robertson had a couple of bad games when it came to tackling. The Lions game being one of them. But he had nine games last season where his tackle grades were nearly in the 80’s.
— Mike Payton (@AtoZ_Payton) March 12, 2024
As much as a big move to add a cornerback has been easy to suggest, the Lions need to bolster their depth of talent there too. Robertson is certainly an upgrade over much of what they had last year, and as Chris Burke of The Athletic suggested defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn may see a little of himself as a player here.