As the NFL offseason kicks into gear, the Detroit Lions face a crucial decision regarding their defense, particularly in the secondary. While they have built a strong foundation with two elite safeties and a dominant edge rusher expected to contend for Defensive Player of the Year, the cornerback position remains a weak link.
Despite efforts to address the issue—such as trading for Carlton Davis and drafting two young corners last season—the results have been underwhelming. Davis is now set to enter free agency, and the development of their younger players remains uncertain. With these concerns in mind, Detroit is likely to explore the free agent market for reinforcements, potentially targeting a player with Super Bowl experience.
According to Jacob Camenker of USA Today, the Lions are expected to pursue San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward. Ward, however, is coming off his worst season since his rookie year, allowing a 61.5% completion rate and 7.5 yards per target—his weakest marks since 2018. Despite this, Detroit may still view him as a viable option.
Much of the offseason speculation surrounding the Lions has focused on adding another pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson. However, their greater need might actually be at cornerback. While edge rushers will be available through free agency, the draft, and potential trades, the market for top-tier cornerbacks is far more limited.
With only a handful of quality CB1 options available in free agency and few likely to be within reach when the Lions make their first-round pick, Ward remains an intriguing target. Though his 2024 season raised concerns, he is still in his prime and has previously demonstrated the ability to play at a high level.
To solidify their secondary and provide much-needed stability at the position, the Lions could make an aggressive push for Ward in the 2025 season.
