The Detroit Lions have established their initial 2024 roster prior to Week 1, and seem stronger in multiple positions after an offseason of hard work.
In spite of that, the Lions could still have some needs to address before the season, and in the mind of some, they could be on the defensive side of the ball. Brad Holmes added plenty to the defensive backfield in free agency and the draft, but a hole might remain there that needs to be fixed.
Bleacher Report named every roster's biggest weakness before the season, and the defensive backfield was named. Their solution? Add Super Bowl champion safety Jalen Mills, formally of the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots and briefly the New York Giants.
"The Lions' need for a cornerback was well-documented this offseason and while the front office made several additions, it couldn't hurt to throw one more player into the mix especially while Emmanuel Moseley is on injured reserve."
"Mills would be a good target since he has the versatility to cover the boundary or the slot and can play safety if needed. That's a solid option to turn to off the bench, and his 73.5 passer rating when targeted last year, per Pro Football Focus, would be a welcomed sight."
Mills could fill a void left by the injury to Ifeatu Melifonwu, if that is a genuine concern that could stretch multiple weeks.
Dan Campbell explains Detroit Lions' open roster spot before season opener
Technically the Lions could add Mills immediately if they wanted to, since they only have 52 players on the roster. That is of course set to change before the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
Dan Campbell was asked about the decision to keep a roster spot open before the season.
"I think it's for the flexibility. Really, it gives us flexibility to make a move if we need to, (if) we need to add somebody. We're going to have a pretty good idea within the next probably 48 hours here, 24 to 48 hours, exactly how we want to go into this game and who we want to go into the game with. That could have a little bearing on roster play, practice squad, vet squad, that whole thing. So it just gives us a little bit of room to maneuver."
If the defense has a need in the coming days, it wouldn't be a stretch to see the Lions consider a veteran like Mills.