With the NFL trade deadline inching closer, the Detroit Lions have a pretty clear shopping list. Sitting at 3-2, they’re still very much in the mix for another division run and a playoff spot after missing the postseason last year, but the roster has enough holes that a move or two feels necessary.
The loudest need is in the secondary, where Detroit has been getting picked apart through the air. The Lions are last in the league in passing yards allowed per game and sit fourth-worst in passer rating against at 106.3, even though the pass rush has been far more effective than expected. Through five games, the defense leads the league with 20 sacks.
That’s a big shift from recent years, when pass rush was the glaring problem. Now the pressure is coming, but the coverage still isn’t holding up. For general manager Brad Holmes, the answer at the deadline looks obvious: find help for the back end.
Detroit was previously tied to Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. after he missed the start of the season in a contract dispute, but the Lions were outbid and missed out when Porter ended up with the Dallas Cowboys.
There should still be options out there. The Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles have all stumbled out of the gate and could be open to moving players before the Nov. 10 deadline.
Among the names floating around are the Chargers’ Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart and Donte Jackson. Philadelphia has Riq Woolen, while the Colts could potentially entertain a deal involving Sauce Gardner after Chris Ballard was ousted as general manager.
At minimum, Detroit needs another body in the cornerback room. D.J.
Reed has not lived up to what the Lions expected when they signed him to a three-year deal last offseason, and he’s struggled against top receivers. Rock Ya-Sin started the year as the second starter after Terrion Arnold was released, but he has since lost that job to Roger McCreary.
Ennis Rakestraw has also gotten some run, yet this remains the biggest weak spot on the roster.
That’s why the Lions have to be active. An experienced corner who fits their system and can bring steadiness on the outside would go a long way. Safety depth is another consideration if Kerby Joseph is still not close to a return when the deadline arrives.
There is some help on the way, though. Brian Branch is potentially set to return from an Achilles injury as soon as this week, which could ease the pressure in the secondary. If Detroit decides one move is enough, then cornerback should be the priority.
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