It's a drum that will beaten until we see what's done. But the Detroit Lions' top offseason need is cornerback, and there should be multiple additions via free agency, a trade? or the draft.
ESPN's Matt Bowen (subscription required) has freshly projected the best teams fits for its top 50 free agents. On the Lions' front guard Jonah Jackson is projected to the Washington Commanders. On the flip side, the Lions are tabbed as the fit for Commanders' cornerback Kendall Fuller.
Here's what Bowen wrote:
"The Lions allowed 247.4 passing yards per game last season, sixth most in the league. But bringing in a perimeter corner like Fuller could boost the whole profile of the Detroit secondary. With 16 career interceptions (10 in his past four years with Washington) and the savvy technique to play both man and zone, Fuller is a good fit for Aaron Glenn's system."
2024 NFL Free Agency: Kendall Fuller looks like great fit for the Detroit Lions
Those who would like to see the Lions make a big splash for a veteran No. 1 cornerback may look at Fuller and yawn. Some may see similarities to Cameron Sutton, who was a free agent bust in his first year as a Lion.
But Fuller is coming off a solid 2023 season, as a bright spot in an otherwise bad Washington secondary (83.1 overall Pro Football Focus grade, nine pass breakups, 79 total tackles).
In ranking him No. 28 on their list of top-100 free agents, The 33rd Team lauded Fuller too.
"Kendall Fuller has been around for a while — 2023 was his eighth NFL season — but he continues to impress and is still just 29. While Washington could not stop anything on defense this season, Fuller was still 38th among corners in adjusted yards allowed per coverage snap while he played on the outside. Throughout his career, Fuller has played snaps in the slot and at safety, and that versatility could make him a fit in any defense that wants to bring him in."
Spotrac projects Fuller for a three-year, $42.35 million deal ($14.1 million per year), and an educated guess would have about half of that guaranteed. That should be well within the Lions' wheelhouse financially, and it wouldn't prevent other notable moves in free agency.
All-around skill set? Check. Reasonable cost? Check. Among all the options for the Lions to sign a cornerback in free agency, Fuller quickly sneaks in to rank high on the list of potential fits.
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