The Detroit Lions have made significant efforts to enhance their secondary over the past year, though some of their major attempts have fallen short.
Their top two acquisitions from the previous offseason, cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, missed most of the season due to injuries. Gardner-Johnson has since left in free agency, but Moseley has re-signed with the team.
A recent report indicates the Lions might make another major move this offseason by pursuing a trade for Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker. Matt Holder from Bleacher Report discussed potential veteran trades, suggesting that the Lions could be strong contenders for Baker if he renews his trade request from last season.
‘Easy’ Financial Move for the Lions
Holder noted that Budda Baker initially requested a trade last year but stayed with the Cardinals after receiving a raise. He suggested the Cardinals might reconsider trading the 28-year-old safety to gain assets for their roster rebuild.
“Although Arizona doesn’t necessarily need to, trading Baker could save them $15.1 million, according to Over The Cap, while also getting a player or future asset in return instead of potentially losing him for nothing next spring,” Holder wrote. “It’s unlikely the Cardinals will be playoff contenders even with Baker in the competitive NFC West.”
Holder speculated that other teams, like the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, might also be interested, but he emphasized that a trade to the Lions could be the most straightforward option.
“Unlike Baltimore, Detroit has the financial flexibility and on-field need to make this happen easily,” Holder wrote. “The Lions have the fourth-most cap space available (around $31.1 million), and Baker would be an upgrade over Kerby Joseph. Additionally, the Lions are in a position to take on a one-year contract as they aim for a Super Bowl run.”
Baker has maintained a high level of play, making the Pro Bowl in each of the last five seasons, with two All-Pro selections during that time. Last season, he played in 12 games and recorded 87 total tackles, including five tackles for a loss.
Lions Adding Youth to Their Secondary
The Lions have already made significant investments in their secondary this offseason, selecting defensive backs with their first two draft picks—Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the first round and Missouri corner Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes stated that the two rookies will bring healthy competition to an already deep position group. This group includes veterans Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, Kindle Vildor, and Emmanuel Moseley, all 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 earn their place, you know, because Carlton Davis III is a proven starter,” Holmes said via the team’s official website. “A healthy Emmanuel Moseley is also a proven starter. Amik Robertson is another proven player who has made plays.
“They all want to play and have the right mindset, but it’s a good situation from a roster standpoint. If these corners are going to play, they have to win a spot, and that applies to everyone.”
