Why Bringing Back Avonte Maddox Makes Too Much Sense for the Lions
A year ago, it looked like the Detroit Lions had their safety tandem of the future locked down. Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch were both playing at near-All-Pro levels and hadn’t even hit their 25th birthdays. The back end of Detroit’s defense seemed set for the long haul.
But the NFL doesn’t wait around for anyone. Fast forward to the end of the 2025 season, and both Joseph and Branch spent most of the year battling injuries. Suddenly, what once looked like a position of strength has turned into a big question mark heading into 2026.
That’s where Avonte Maddox comes in.
The veteran defensive back may not have been the flashiest name on the Lions’ roster last season, but his value became crystal clear when Detroit needed stability the most. As the Lions face a potentially thin safety room to open the 2026 campaign, re-signing Maddox isn’t just a smart move - it might be one of the easiest decisions they make this offseason.
A Low-Key Arrival, A High-Impact Role
Let’s rewind to the start of 2025. Maddox arrived in Detroit with modest expectations.
After an up-and-down stint in Philadelphia - where he was eventually overtaken by rookie Cooper DeJean - the 29-year-old was seen more as a depth piece than a difference-maker. With a crowded cornerback room that included names like Terrion Arnold, D.J.
Reed, and Rock Ya-Sin, Maddox wasn’t a lock to make the final roster, let alone see meaningful snaps.
But training camp revealed a different path. The Lions were thin at safety, and Maddox - who’d spent most of his career as a slot corner - started taking reps at the position.
With only Joseph and Branch clearly ahead of him, Maddox carved out a role. He made the 53-man roster thanks to his versatility, and as the season unfolded, that flexibility proved invaluable.
Stepping Up When It Mattered Most
Maddox didn’t start the season as the top backup. That role initially went to waiver pickup Thomas Harper after Joseph went down early in the year. But when Branch suffered a torn Achilles a few weeks later, it was Maddox who got the call.
And he delivered.
Thrown into action against the Cowboys, Maddox turned in one of the most impressive performances of his career - eight tackles, a pass breakup, and a 90.3 Pro Football Focus grade over 80 snaps. He didn’t just hold his own - he was one of the best players on the field that day.
“Maddox went in there for him the other day, and we thought he did a hell of a job, he really did,” head coach Dan Campbell said after the game. “He played his tail off, which is why he’s here - because he’s a football guy.
He’s got versatility, nickel that can play safety. Man, he put out a lot of fires back there for us, made quite a few plays.”
That wasn’t a one-off. While he didn’t hit that same peak in every outing, Maddox was consistently solid in his three starts, posting PFF grades north of 83 in two of them. Over the course of the season, he appeared in 14 games, logged 342 defensive snaps, and added 88 more on special teams - not something every veteran is eager to do.
His final stat line? 32 tackles, four passes defended, one interception, and a forced fumble. That’s not just productive - that’s dependable depth stepping into a starting role and delivering.
Why Re-Signing Maddox Makes Sense
There are plenty of reasons why the Lions should bring Maddox back, but let’s start with the obvious: they need safeties.
With Joseph’s status still murky and Branch likely to miss the start of the season, Detroit could be looking at two open starting spots in Week 1. Maddox already knows the system, has shown he can perform in it, and brings a level of veteran savvy that’s tough to teach.
He’s also the kind of player who fits the Lions' culture to a tee. He embraced a position change, took on special teams duties, and stepped up when his number was called. That’s the kind of buy-in Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes value - and it’s not always easy to find.
And let’s not forget the hometown factor. Maddox is a Detroit native who clearly enjoyed his time with the team. There’s a real sense that both sides would be open to a reunion, especially with the Lions entering a window where Super Bowl hopes are more than just talk.
What’s the Cost?
Here’s the kicker - Maddox won’t break the bank.
Last year, he signed for just over $1 million guaranteed. After proving he still has plenty left in the tank, he’s earned a raise - but even then, we’re likely talking about a deal in the $2-3 million range.
For a versatile veteran who can start in a pinch, play multiple positions, and contribute on special teams? That’s a bargain.
This is the type of signing that allows the Lions to focus their cap space on bigger-ticket needs while still shoring up an important area of the roster.
Bottom Line
Sometimes, the best moves are the simplest ones. Avonte Maddox isn’t going to dominate headlines this offseason, but he’s the kind of glue guy every contending team needs. He’s experienced, versatile, affordable, and already proven in Detroit’s system.
With uncertainty clouding the safety position heading into 2026, keeping Maddox in Honolulu blue feels like a no-brainer. Whether he’s starting in Week 1 or backing up a healthy Joseph and Branch later in the year, he’s exactly the kind of player you want in your locker room - and on your depth chart.