The Detroit Lions could face the departure of starting cornerback Carlton Davis this offseason. As a top-tier defensive player set to enter free agency, Davis is expected to attract significant interest from multiple teams. If general manager Brad Holmes is unable to retain him, Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie suggests that the Lions might target Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs as his replacement.
Xie notes that while Davis had a strong season in Detroit, his market value in free agency may exceed what the Lions are willing to pay. Despite selecting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw in last year’s draft, counting on two second-year corners to step up as full-time starters carries some risk for a team with championship aspirations.
To mitigate that uncertainty, the Lions could consider acquiring a proven player who thrives in man coverage. With over $52 million in salary cap space, Detroit has financial flexibility. If Davis becomes too expensive, Diggs remains under contract for three more seasons with a manageable $9 million cap hit in 2025. While acquiring him would likely require surrendering a second-round pick, securing a 26-year-old cornerback with multiple years of team control could be a worthwhile investment.
However, Diggs’ recent injury history raises concerns. He appeared in just two games in 2023 after suffering a torn ACL and managed only 11 games in 2024 due to a left knee issue. Despite these setbacks, the two-time Pro Bowler remained productive, recording two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and allowing a passer rating of 89.3 when targeted last season.
If healthy, Diggs would be a key contributor in Kelvin Sheppard’s defensive scheme and could potentially regain his All-Pro form with a fresh start in Detroit. While his $97 million contract might appear hefty, his cap hit for 2025 is a reasonable $12.6 million, and the remaining years carry no guaranteed money, with his deal expiring after 2028.
Additionally, acquiring Diggs might not demand an overwhelming trade package. A late second-round or early third-round pick could be enough to bring him to Detroit.
That being said, there are risks involved. His recurring injuries are a legitimate concern, and he is expected to miss the beginning of training camp as he recovers from knee surgery.
Since 2022, Diggs has struggled with durability, but when available, he ranks among the league’s elite defensive backs. If the Cowboys decide to move on from him this offseason, the Lions could benefit by adding him to their young secondary.
