The Detroit Lions could soon be back in the trade spotlight following the devastating news surrounding rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed on Monday that Arnold has suffered a serious shoulder injury that could potentially end his season.
“Unfortunately, he’s going to be out for quite some time,” Campbell told reporters. “It’s possible he won’t return this year.”
Arnold’s absence leaves a major gap in Detroit’s secondary, and with several other cornerbacks dealing with injuries, the Lions are once again expected to explore trade options before the NFL deadline.
One intriguing proposal comes from Mike Payton of A to Z Sports, who suggested that Detroit send a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas.
According to Payton, Miami could be headed toward a rebuild if the team continues to struggle, and Douglas—an experienced defender who’s still performing at a high level—may prefer a change of scenery. “Douglas would probably relish the chance to rejoin the NFC North and face his old team, the Green Bay Packers,” Payton wrote.
Douglas, who earned a Super Bowl ring as a rookie with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, has carved out a solid nine-year career across several teams, including the Panthers, Packers, Bills, and now the Dolphins. To date, he has earned roughly $26.8 million in career earnings.
Why Rasul Douglas Makes Sense for Detroit
Acquiring Douglas could be a smart short-term solution for the Lions. While the 30-year-old doesn’t bring long-term potential—his contract runs through 2025—he offers valuable experience and reliability at a critical position.
Detroit’s future at cornerback still rests on the shoulders of Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., two young players drafted to lead the secondary for years to come. Unfortunately, injuries have slowed both players’ progress.
Douglas could serve as a dependable stopgap for the remainder of the season, allowing Detroit to remain competitive while their younger corners heal and develop.
Through five games this year, Douglas has started three contests, totaling 19 tackles and four pass breakups. Over his career, he has started 83 games, including last season when he logged 58 tackles and five pass defenses for the Buffalo Bills.
Considering his production and leadership, acquiring Douglas for a late-round pick would be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Lions.
What’s Next for Terrion Arnold and the Lions’ Secondary
There’s still no official timeline for Arnold’s recovery, but the expectation is that he may miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign. That makes adding a seasoned veteran even more logical for Detroit.
If Arnold returns late in the season or next year, Douglas has the flexibility to slide into a backup or rotational role—a responsibility he has handled well in the past. Despite playing over 90% of defensive snaps for Miami this year, Douglas has experience both starting and coming off the bench when needed.
Currently, the Lions are leaning heavily on veterans like Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, and Avonte Maddox. With D.J. Reed and Khalil Dorsey also sidelined, the group is dangerously thin.
Robertson impressed in his latest start with six tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, while Ya-Sin and Maddox have combined for modest production—nine tackles and two pass defenses for Ya-Sin, and six tackles for Maddox.
Bringing in Douglas would provide vital depth, leadership, and immediate stability to a cornerback unit ravaged by injuries. And for a mere sixth-round pick, it’s a move that could keep Detroit’s defense on track in their pursuit of another playoff run.
