Once the Detroit Lions’ 2024 season concludes, their focus will shift to the 2025 offseason, where general manager Brad Holmes has done a commendable job of building a strong roster. The offense is nearly set, but the defense still poses some uncertainties. One of the key areas of concern is cornerback, where veteran Carlton Davis is set to hit free agency, and his return isn’t guaranteed.
Although the Lions may have a potential replacement in rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., a second-round pick out of Missouri, Rakestraw didn’t see much playing time this season. This lack of experience could prompt the Lions to look for an external option to bolster their secondary if they can’t re-sign Davis.
In light of this, Josh Eaton from Yardbarker predicts that the Lions might target Cleveland Browns star cornerback Denzel Ward in a trade during the 2025 offseason. Eaton speculates that Detroit could acquire Ward in exchange for a late first-round pick, considering the Browns are undergoing a full rebuild and may be open to trading their star player.
Eaton points out that with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson likely securing a head coaching job elsewhere, the Lions may not be able to rely as heavily on their high-powered offense. This would make strengthening their defense a top priority for the team heading into 2025, prompting them to pursue an upgrade at cornerback.
Denzel Ward has been one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL for several years. A former No. 4 overall pick, Ward has earned four Pro Bowl selections over his seven seasons in the league. In 2024, he allowed a completion rate of 54.5% and a passer rating of 92.8 when targeted, which is comparable to the numbers posted by Carlton Davis, who allowed a completion rate of 55.3% and a passer rating of 77.0.
However, any move to acquire Ward would come with significant financial considerations. Ward is under contract through 2027 on a hefty $100.5 million deal. The Lions would have to weigh whether the price is worth it, especially given Ward’s large contract and the fact that he would be a major financial commitment moving forward.
For the Lions to pursue Ward, they would need to see him as a clear upgrade over Davis, or else it might make more sense to re-sign the veteran cornerback at a much lower cost. Furthermore, Detroit would have to assess whether they are comfortable with Rakestraw Jr. stepping into a starting role if they are unable to bring Davis back or secure a trade for Ward.
In the end, while the prospect of acquiring Denzel Ward is intriguing, it’s a trade that seems unlikely to happen. The Lions may choose a more cost-effective approach by re-signing Davis or rolling with Rakestraw, making the predicted blockbuster trade appear less realistic at this stage.
