The injury bug just won’t leave the Detroit Lions alone. Week after week, it feels like another key player goes down — and this time, it’s a big one.
Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold, who’s been one of the brightest young stars on Detroit’s defense, is now expected to hit injured reserve after suffering a painful shoulder injury in Week 5. For a defense already missing top free-agent signing D.J. Reed, who’s nursing a hamstring issue, and veteran left tackle Taylor Decker, who’s been battling a shoulder problem, this is another major blow.
That leaves Detroit’s cornerback room dangerously thin. Right now, the team’s available corners are Rock Ya-Sin, Amik Robertson, and recent call-up Tre Flowers — not exactly the lineup you want heading into the heart of the season.
So, what’s next? The Lions have two options: gamble on practice-squad players like Nick Whiteside or Luq Barcoo, or make a smart, aggressive move and bring in a proven starter through a trade.
If you’re GM Brad Holmes, that decision should be easy. One name stands out above the rest — Greg Newsome II of the Cleveland Browns.
Greg Newsome Could Save Detroit’s Secondary
Newsome, a former first-round pick, has quietly been one of the more reliable corners in the AFC. Now in his fifth season, the 25-year-old has totaled 178 tackles in his career and already has 23 this year. He’s physical, consistent, and can play on the outside — exactly what Detroit needs right now.
Reports from USA Today’s Jeff Risdon have already linked the Lions to Newsome, suggesting there’s real interest behind the scenes. And it makes perfect sense. You can’t replace everything Arnold and Reed bring — Arnold’s tight man coverage and Reed’s ball-hawking instincts are hard to duplicate — but Newsome would give this defense a serious boost.
The Browns are in a mild rebuild and could be willing to move him for draft capital. A fourth-round pick might be enough to get the deal done, especially considering Detroit sent a fifth-rounder to Cleveland last year for pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith.
Simply put, the Lions can’t afford to wait. Their secondary needs help now, and Newsome checks every box. If Detroit is serious about making another playoff run, Holmes should be on the phone with Cleveland today.
