The Detroit Lions are still searching for a long-term solution at cornerback, and one NFL insider believes they may finally find it in 2026 NFL free agency.
According to NFL insider Greg Auman, the Lions are projected to sign Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean this March. The prediction was included in Auman’s 2026 free agency primer released on February 11.
Jamel Dean Emerging as Top Free Agent CB
Dean, 29, is coming off one of the best seasons of his career with the Buccaneers. He recorded:
3 interceptions
2 forced fumbles
9 pass breakups
46 total tackles
1 pick-six
Dean agreed to an $8 million pay cut to remain in Tampa Bay before the season and then delivered elite production.
“Dean had one of the league’s more remarkable seasons,” Auman wrote. “Pro Football Focus loves him, rating him as the NFL’s No. 5 cornerback for 2025 and the No. 5 overall free agent at any position.”
Dean allowed just a 46.9 passer rating when targeted, which ranked best in the NFL, and finished with a PFF grade of 81.5, fourth among all cornerbacks.
PFF currently lists Dean as the top available free agent cornerback entering the 2026 offseason.
Lions’ History With Buccaneers Cornerbacks
This wouldn’t be the first time Detroit targets a Buccaneers defensive back.
Two seasons ago, the Lions acquired Carlton Davis from Tampa Bay. Davis started 13 games before suffering a season-ending injury in December 2024. He finished with:
56 tackles
11 pass deflections
2 interceptions
Davis later departed in free agency to sign with the New England Patriots.
Like Davis, Dean was part of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl-winning 2020 team and has started every game he’s played since 2022.
If signed, Dean would instantly become a Day 1 starter for Detroit and could finally stabilize a shaky cornerback group.
Lions CB Situation Entering 2026 Offseason
Detroit’s cornerback room faces major turnover this offseason.
The following players are set to become unrestricted free agents:
Amik Robertson
Rock Ya-Sin
Avonte Maddox
Arthur Maulet
Jalen Mills
The Lions will still have Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, but both struggled with injuries and inconsistency during the 2025 season.
Only Khalil Dorsey and D.J. Reed return with meaningful outside experience.
Adding Dean would immediately upgrade the depth chart and give Detroit a proven veteran to pair with its young corners.
PFF Ranks Dean Among Top 2026 Free Agents
Dean ranks No. 5 overall on Pro Football Focus’ list of 2026 free agents, trailing only:
Trey Hendrickson
Devin Lloyd
“Dean ranked fourth among all cornerbacks in PFF grade (81.5) in 2025 and has never posted a coverage grade below 70.0 in his career,” PFF wrote.
Seven seasons into his NFL career, Dean has developed into one of the league’s most consistent cover corners.
Lions Could Find Long-Term CB Answer
With Detroit’s cornerback depth thinning and the team still in win-now mode, targeting Jamel Dean makes logical sense.
If the Lions follow through on this projection, Dean could become the franchise’s most reliable cornerback since the prime years of Darius Slay and provide immediate stability to a vulnerable secondary.
