Detroit’s defensive unit showed resilience last season, overcoming the loss of 13 players to injured reserve while still securing the NFC’s best record. As the Lions prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, they’ll be looking to strengthen their depth—but also evaluating potential cost-cutting moves that could shape their roster’s future.

One such move could involve moving on from a key contributor in the secondary.

Trading Amik Robertson Could Be a Smart Move for Detroit

Cornerback Amik Robertson joined the Lions on a two-year, $9.25 million deal last offseason and delivered a solid performance in his first year. The 5’9”, 183-pound defensive back played all 17 games, starting four, and tallied 50 tackles, eight pass breakups, and three forced fumbles.

One of his most notable outings came in the regular season finale, where he held Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson in check, surrendering 60 yards on eight targets. Despite breaking his arm in the playoff game against Washington, Robertson’s performance in Week 18 left a strong impression heading into the offseason.

However, that late-season highlight doesn’t tell the whole story. According to Pro Football Focus, Robertson earned a career-best 64.7 overall grade but posted a modest 62.2 in coverage. He particularly struggled in the slot, allowing 1.61 yards per coverage snap—ranking sixth-worst among 42 eligible cornerbacks. This is a concern considering he logged 287 snaps in the slot, the 19th most in the league.

Financially, the numbers are even more glaring. Over The Cap valued his 2024 performance at just under $2 million, which was manageable alongside his $2.85 million cap hit. However, that number is set to balloon to $6.4 million in 2025, raising questions about his value versus cost.

The Lions may be wise to explore trade options before the draft, especially with teams potentially seeking experienced depth if they miss on cornerback prospects. Robertson could be an appealing short-term solution for a team looking to fill a gap, giving Detroit the opportunity to move on while his value is relatively high