When free agency opened, the Detroit Lions didn’t waste any time in filling their #1 need from the offseason. They traded for cornerback Carlton Davis from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers then signed cornerback Akiko Robertson the following day.
Even yet, it’s reasonable to argue that the Lions haven’t overlooked or undervalued cornerbacks in any way, as general manager Brad Holmes reminded us early in the summer that “you can’t have enough corners.” Both Robertson and Davis are not on long-term contracts—at least not yet, as Davis is about to approach the final year of his current agreement.
The Lions desperately need a lock down corner, and Davis has promised to be just that. Robertson gives the Detroit secondary more grit and ball-hawking flair. As he moves into a job that should be beneficial for him, Cameron Sutton is not and should not be given up on.
However, as the initial surge of autonomy fades…
The Detroit Lions might make an all-in play to transform their secondary into a formidable force.
The Lions may see some action during the second week of free agency as they evaluate the situation and make decisions. Regarding that front, cornerback Stephon Gilmore, one of the “most intriguing” free agents still available, was deemed a good match by Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon.
“Many defenses that depend on corners outside of the Cowboys ought to be in communication with Gilmore. After finishing 24th against the pass last season, the Minnesota Vikings could use a veteran cornerback, and Detroit is currently remodeling its cornerback room.”
In 2024, should the Cowboys re-sign him, Gilmore—who has become quite the traveler in recent years—will be joining his fifth team in as many seasons. He was really good last season, playing in all 17 of Dallas’ games (6.9 yards per target allowed, 82.7 passer rating allowed, 13 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions; he was ranked 35th among 127 qualifiers by Pro Football Focus).
As a member of the Carolina Panthers, Gilmore has missed just one game in total over the last two seasons despite missing a significant portion of the 2021 campaign. He still has a lot left in the tank at 33 years old, with a 34th birthday early in the upcoming season.
Given that Davis and Gilmore spent the most of their playing time at left outside corner last season, it’s simple to argue that Gilmore doesn’t belong in the Lions’ secondary as a result of Davis’ acquisition (Pro Football Focus). However, Gilmore divided his perimeter corner snaps about 50-50 by side in 2022 with the Colts (480 left, 477 right). A closer look at his earlier work reveals comparable splits on the left and right sides.
Gilmore was only expected to sign a one- or two-year contract from the beginning, and the second week of free agency is generally when deals are made. Although it’s difficult to predict with certainty, the Lions could go all in to make Gilmore their top-tier backup by extending an offer he might find hard to turn down.
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