The Detroit Lions made some significant free agency moves last offseason in an attempt to rebuild their struggling secondary, but their efforts were ultimately futile when both of their marquee additions were sidelined due to serious injuries.
According to a new report, the Lions and general manager Brad Holmes will try again this year to sign one of the league’s top free agents at cornerback. ESPN’s Matt Bowen suggested destinations for all 50 of the top free agents, including the Lions and veteran Kendall Fuller.
The Lions could ‘boost’ their entire secondary by signing
Bowen suggested that Fuller, 29, who spent the previous four seasons with the Washington Commanders and is coming off a $40-million contract, would be a good fit for Detroit. He predicted that Fuller would help elevate a secondary that was still one of the league’s worst, despite efforts to bring in new talent in the offseason.
“The Lions allowed 247.4 passing yards per game last season, sixth most in the league,” he wrote. “However, bringing in a perimeter corner like Fuller could improve the overall profile of the Detroit secondary. With 16 career interceptions (10 in his last four years with Washington) and the savvy technique to play both man and zone, Fuller is a good fit for Aaron Glenn’s system.”
The Lions have a strong preference for versatile defensive backs, so Fuller could be a good fit. He could be expensive, though, with Sportrac predicting he will sign a three-year contract worth $42.3 million in free agency.
Fuller had five interceptions over the last two seasons, returning two for touchdowns in 2022. He also made a total of 131 tackles during that time.
The Lions signed two high-profile free agents last offseason, cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but both were sidelined by injuries and had little impact on the season.
Other possible additions for the Lions
While other insiders believe the Lions will make moves to improve the secondary this offseason, there are differing opinions on who the team should target. According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, Detroit could make a run at cornerback Ronald Darby, citing the veteran’s continued value.
Ballentine suggested that Darby, given his age, might be a more affordable option.
“There are some concerns that are likely to dampen Darby’s market. Ballentine wrote, “He’s 30 years old and has had two ACL tears in his career.” “However, none of that appeared to harm him this season.
“The veteran possesses elite speed and showed no signs of slowing down last season.” If he stays healthy, he should outperform the contract he’s likely to receive given his age and injury history.
Fellow Bleacher Report writer David Kenyon suggested the Lions could find some help on the trade market by pursuing Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II in exchange for two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick.
“If he’s not already the NFL’s best cornerback, Patrick Surtain II isn’t far removed from that label,” Kenyon wrote in an email. “A first-team AP All-Pro selection in 2022, he’s easily the most talented player on the Denver Broncos.”
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