The Detroit Lions had a need a cornerback, and in the early part of free agency they added two to the mix. A trade for Carlton Davis was followed by signing the apparently easy to overlook Amik Robertson.
In his grade of the Lions' early free agency moves, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus hinted at a potential role change for Cameron Sutton next season.
"Robertson is a scrappy cornerback who plays above his size and adds another piece to a Lions secondary that also struck a deal to acquire former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis in a trade. The interesting next step here will be whether Cam Sutton kicks inside to more of a nickel role or Detroit asks Robertson to do so after he seemed to hold up a bit better out wide with Las Vegas."
Sutton had a rough first season in Detroit, but he is not going anywhere and will have a chance to redeem himself in 2024. Not being asked to cover the opponent's top wide receiver, regularly or at all, would be a big step toward better things in Year 2.
Carlton Davis promises to be lockdown corner for the Lions
Specifically, Davis is already promising to be a lock down defender, capable of wiping out the best receiver the opposition puts on the field.
"You're about to get a lock down corner. You're about to be able to have one side just unavailable. That's what I do. I'm here to take out the number one receiver on any team. I'm here to deny the ball. I'm here to take the ball away ...."
After he signed last offseason, many were hoping Sutton could be that No. 1, lock down, cornerback for the Lions. He didn't live up to those expectations, but it's possible he could thrive in a new role with less pressure.
Davis already sounds equipped to handle the stress of being the top cornerback, which could help Sutton find his game once again.
In terms of reduced pressure to perform, Sutton might be the biggest winner of the Lions' initial run of offseason moves.