The Detroit Lions are being advised to consider adding a key player from the San Francisco 49ers, a cornerback with Super Bowl experience, as they continue to build their roster for the future.
Although the Lions are currently among the top contenders for the Super Bowl this season, it doesn’t mean they should stop looking for ways to improve their team by adding more talent.
Matt Holder, in a November 18 article for Bleacher Report, highlighted the importance of addressing specific roster weaknesses ahead of Week 12.
He suggested that the Lions should target cornerback Charvarius Ward from the San Francisco 49ers during the 2025 free agency period. Ward, who has appeared in two Super Bowls, could provide a significant upgrade to the Lions’ secondary, which is currently considered a weak spot.
In his piece, Holder listed cornerback as Detroit’s top priority, followed by edge rusher, offensive line depth, wide receiver depth, and left guard.
Although the Lions made several moves to address the cornerback position during the offseason, including trading for Carlton Davis and drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., their secondary remains a concern.
The Lions should also consider their cornerback options for the upcoming free agency period, especially since Davis will be a free agent in the spring.
According to Holder, signing Charvarius Ward would be a significant acquisition for any team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Ward, who has started as a high-level perimeter cornerback, also brings valuable postseason experience, having played in Super Bowls for both the Kansas City Chiefs and the 49ers.
His presence would strengthen the Lions’ defense and bolster their chances of a deep playoff run.
In addition to pursuing Ward, Holder suggested that the Lions should target Ohio State EDGE rusher JT Tuimoloau in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tuimoloau, who has the skills to enhance the Lions’ pass rush, would fit seamlessly into the team’s aggressive run defense. Holder believes Tuimoloau would be an excellent addition to help Detroit continue to build a well-rounded and powerful defense.
Despite the focus on improving the Lions’ defense, Holder also praised the team for its strong performance so far this season.
He remarked that the Lions might be the best team in the NFL right now, thanks to a dominant offense that has delivered impressive wins, such as the 52-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While there are areas on defense that need attention, the offense’s consistent high-level play has been more than enough to keep the team competitive.
Holder also noted that the Lions don’t necessarily need to make any major changes at the moment.
While it’s possible that Detroit will continue to look for veteran depth in free agency or on practice squads as they approach the postseason, the team has already made key moves.
The Lions addressed their biggest need at the trade deadline, bringing in Za’Darius Smith to fill the void left by Aidan Hutchinson, who is out with a broken leg. While Smith might not fully replace Hutchinson, Holder believes he’s a significant upgrade over any player the Lions could find on the market in mid-November.
Looking ahead, the Lions have the financial flexibility to continue building their roster.
With $62.1 million in projected cap space for the 2025 season, Detroit is well-positioned to strengthen its squad during the offseason and further solidify its place as a Super Bowl contender.
This financial freedom will allow them to make smart, strategic moves as they continue to develop into one of the league’s top teams.
In summary, while the Lions are already performing at a high level this season, they still have room for improvement, particularly on defense.
Targeting a player like Charvarius Ward in free agency and a talent like Tuimoloau in the draft could help round out their roster and position them for future success.
With a combination of offensive firepower and strategic roster moves, the Lions are building a team that could challenge for the Super Bowl in the
years to come.