The Detroit Lions have a clear opening in their defensive backfield, and one of the best available fixes is sitting right in front of them.
With the initial 53-man rosters now locked in, a few experienced players are suddenly on the market. For Detroit, that creates a chance to grab someone who can step in and help immediately, especially with questions lingering at cornerback as the 2026 season approaches.
Kelvin Sheppard’s defense still has uncertainty opposite D.J. Reed at outside corner and in the slot, which makes the position one Brad Holmes could address before the Lions face the New Orleans Saints in the season opener. If Detroit wants a proven option, former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore stands out.
Moore is heading into his age-31 season, but his production hasn’t dropped off. The veteran slot corner finished 2025 with 55 total tackles, an interception and six passes defensed in 14 games, including seven starts.
Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 66.7, which ranked 39th among 114 qualified corners. His work against the run was even more impressive, as he posted an 84.4 PFF run-defense grade - the fifth-best mark among corners last season and the second-best of his career.
He’s been steady for a while, too. Moore posted overall PFF grades of 76.8 in 2023 and 70.1 in 2024. Across nine seasons with the Colts, he also recorded at least three interceptions and six passes defensed in five different years.
That track record is why he makes so much sense for Detroit. Moore has shown he can make plays in coverage and hold up as a run defender, and he would immediately strengthen the Lions’ nickel spot. He could also be a useful veteran presence for younger corners like rookie Keith Abney II and third-year pro Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
For that reason, Brad Holmes making a one-year deal with Moore before the regular season would be a move that fits cleanly for Detroit.
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Lions Sent A Clear Message With One Surprise Pass Rush Decision
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It also says something about where Detroit believes its pass rush is headed. Ray Agnew described the defensive line as a strength, and the group has the names to back it up with Alim McNeill, Aidan Hutchinson, Tyleik Williams, D.J. Wonnum and Derrick Moore all part of the mix. In that kind of room, a surprise decision on the edge is less about filling a hole and more about the Lions signaling they want depth, versatility and competition to keep the pressure coming all season. [Read more 🡒]
Lions New Offense Is Fueling A Jameson Williams Debate Fans Didn't Expect
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Williams has made steady progress in recent seasons, enough to make the idea worth serious discussion rather than a pure hypothetical. If Petzings offense leans into Williams explosiveness the way some around the league expect, the Lions could be looking at a very different pecking order in the passing game, with St. Brown still central to everything but no longer the unquestioned top producer by seasons end. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Face A Real Receiver Dilemma With Two Roster Spots Open
The Lions are still weighing how to use their two open roster spots after trimming the group down to four wide receivers, and the need for depth at the position is hard to ignore. One name worth watching is veteran Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who is currently on the Colts practice squad and would bring six years of NFL experience to the table.
Westbrook-Ikhine has mostly worked as an outside receiver, which gives Detroit a potential fit if it wants another experienced body on the boundary. The tradeoff is that he does not bring return specialist experience, so if the Lions want one of those vacant spots to help on special teams as well, the decision gets a little more complicated. [Read more 🡒]