The Detroit Lions will have some gaps to fill in their secondary this offseason, especially with their top cornerback heading to free agency. One analyst believes that Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas, an eight-year veteran who recently had a solid season, could be a viable option. Vito Chirco of SI.com suggested that the Lions should consider Douglas as a potential addition, following his strong performances after a mid-2023 trade from the Green Bay Packers to Buffalo.
As Chirco pointed out, the Lions will need to replace their top cornerback, Carlton Davis, who is expected to enter free agency with no clear signs that he’ll return to Detroit. Chirco argued that Douglas could be a capable substitute, having played an important role on the Buffalo defense that reached the AFC Championship game last season.
Chirco highlighted Douglas’s solid numbers over 24 games with the Bills in 2023 and 2024, including 87 total tackles, 13 passes defended, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and a sack. Though he faced challenges in coverage at times, earning a coverage grade of 58.9 from Pro Football Focus, he has a track record of creating turnovers. Douglas is projected to have a market value of around $12 million per year for three years, bringing his total contract value to just under $36 million. Chirco suggested the Lions could pursue him if the price is right but noted that they wouldn’t have to overpay for the veteran cornerback.
On the other hand, the Lions might need to offer a higher contract to retain Carlton Davis. Davis recently hinted on social media that he won’t make the “mistake” of signing a discounted deal again, suggesting that the Lions need to make the right offer if they want to improve their defense. Davis had a strong 2023 season, starting 13 games, totaling 56 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, despite battling injuries.
Additionally, the Lions will need to address other defensive issues, including their lack of pass rush production. While Aidan Hutchinson was a standout performer, the team struggled with depth behind him, and no one else was able to surpass his 7.5 sacks before his season-ending injury in October.
