The Detroit Lions head into their bye week sitting at a strong 5-2 record, giving them a chance to recharge and evaluate where things stand at the season’s midway point. While they’ll be rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers to knock off the Green Bay Packers to help them reclaim the NFC North lead, the break also provides time for self-reflection — and one major roster question looms large.
Detroit has done plenty right through seven games, but not every storyline has gone according to plan. The offense has struggled to get Jameson Williams consistently involved, and rookie defensive tackle Tyleik Williams is still finding his footing. However, it’s cornerback Terrion Arnold’s slow development that has drawn the most concern.
Unlike Jameson and Tyleik, whose futures in Detroit are secure — the former due to his contract extension and the latter still developing as a rookie — Arnold’s spot could become uncertain if his sophomore slump continues. As the trade deadline approaches, the Lions may be forced to consider adding help in the secondary.
Could Detroit Seek CB Help If Arnold’s Struggles Persist?
Arnold entered the 2025 season with high expectations after being selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The team hoped pairing him with free-agent addition DJ Reed and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s familiar scheme would create the perfect environment for a breakout year.
Instead, Arnold’s play has been inconsistent. Per Pro Football Focus, he’s allowed 18 receptions for 283 yards and one touchdown while recording just three pass breakups on 29 targets. He’s still searching for his first career interception, and his 49.3 overall grade ranks 104th among 118 qualifying cornerbacks.
Arnold has admitted to battling through minor injuries, though Sheppard has made it clear that health issues can’t fully explain his struggles. If his performance doesn’t improve after the bye, Detroit could explore trade options to bolster the cornerback position. Possible targets include Roger McCreary of the Tennessee Titans or Alontae Taylor of the New Orleans Saints — both of whom could immediately compete for a starting role opposite Reed.
Acquiring another cornerback, however, would likely push Arnold into a reserve spot and cloud his long-term role with the team. That’s a tough outcome for a player the organization once viewed as a cornerstone of its defense.
A Difficult Decision for Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell
The Lions now face a pivotal decision: stay patient with Arnold and trust he’ll rebound once healthy, or act quickly to strengthen a secondary that’s struggled at times against high-powered offenses. Either path carries risk. Benching Arnold could stunt his development, while standing pat could leave the defense exposed down the stretch.
This isn’t the situation Detroit envisioned with its former first-rounder, but with playoff aspirations and a Super Bowl run within reach, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell must weigh both the present and the future carefully. Whatever they decide could have lasting implications for the team’s defensive identity — and for Arnold’s career in Detroit.
