Over the previous year, the Detroit Lions have made significant strides to improve their secondary, but they have squandered some key opportunities.
Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, two of the team’s greatest recruits last offseason, missed the most of the season due to injuries. Gardner-Johnson left in free agency this summer, but Moseley will return on a new contract.
According to a recent rumor, the Lions could make another significant move this summer by pursuing a trade for Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report went down potential deals for veterans, mentioning that the Lions might be a top candidate for Baker if he revisits his trade request from last season.
‘Easy’ Financial Move for Lions
Holder mentioned that Baker originally requested a trade last year, but ended up sticking with the Cardinals and receiving a raise. Holder indicated that the Cardinals reconsider trading the 28-year-old safety, which might help them acquire assets for their roster reconstruction.
“Not that Arizona needs it, but it would save them $15.1 million, per Over The Cap, by trading the defensive back in addition to getting a player of future asset back for a guy who might leave for nothing next spring,” Holder stated. “Also, it would be a bit of a surprise if the Cardinals are much of a playoff contender even with Baker in the tough NFC West.”
Holder predicted that other clubs, such as the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, would be interested, but added that it could be the Lions’ easiest move.
“Unlike Baltimore, Detroit can afford to make this happen easily financially and on the field,” Holder stated. “The Lions presently have the fourth-largest cap space (about $31.1 million), and the Cardinal would be an improvement above Kerby Joseph. Also, the organization is in a position to accept a one-time contract because the club is aiming for a Super Bowl run.”
Baker has showed no deterioration in performance, making the Pro Bowl in each of the last five seasons and earning two All-Pro honors during that time. Last season, he appeared in 12 games and recorded 87 total tackles, including five for a loss.
Lions Add Youth to Their Secondary
The Lions have already made significant investments in their secondary this offseason, selecting Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the first round and Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the two youngsters should bring some healthy competition to a position group that is already deep, with veterans Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, Kindle Vildor, and Moseley vying for playing time.
Lions rookie Terrion Arnold BODIED his teammate for the pick 👀 pic.twitter.com/RCeQOCShYf
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) May 11, 2024
“They’ve got to win a spot, you know, because Carlton Davis III has been a proven starter,” Holmes stated on the team’s official website. “When healthy, Emmanuel Moseley is a proven starter. Amik Robertson is an established starter who has made plays.
“They all want to play, and they’re all wired correctly, but gosh, it’s good to be on the roster. If these corners play, they will play. They have to win a slot, and that applies to everyone.”
