Detroit Lions

Lions Pushed to Pursue $13 Million Cornerback to Bolster Weakened Secondary

The Detroit Lions left Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns with an impressive victory, but not without some damage.

The Lions sustained two significant setbacks in the defensive backfield, one of which may result in a lengthy absence. One insider believes Detroit could look toward its most recent opponent for reinforcements, with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome as a target.

Detroit Could Explore External Options

Detroit saw defensive backs Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed exit during the win. While the roster has several internal candidates to step into their roles, Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire suggested the Lions might consider trading for Newsome.

Risdon pointed out that the ex–first-round selection is playing under Cleveland’s fifth-year option valued at $13 million this season, making him an ideal one-year rental for a Super Bowl-caliber team like Detroit.

“There have been prior trade rumors surrounding Newsome, a strong cover corner though not without durability questions; he’s missed at least three games each season of his career,” Risdon explained. “Run support isn’t his strength either, with a career-best PFF run defense grade of only 55.1 and a missed tackle percentage close to 20 percent.”

Risdon emphasized that the Lions’ draft capital is somewhat limited, and they may need to compete with other clubs interested in Newsome.

When it comes to trade assets, Detroit no longer owns a third-round selection in 2026. Both its pick and the compensatory choice tied to Aaron Glenn’s hiring by the Jets were already dealt away (in the WR Isaac TeSlaa trade),” Risdon wrote. “Detroit does retain all its other 2026 selections, plus additional sixth- and seventh-rounders. But contenders for both Woolen and Newsome will also be in the mix.”

Detroit Bracing for One Long-Term Loss

Reed’s setback looks serious, with the veteran carted off the field and head coach Dan Campbell later offering a discouraging outlook. On Monday, he said Reed may be sidelined for quite some time.

“The silver lining is this isn’t season-ending. It does look like we’ll eventually get him back,” Campbell said. “That’s the positive news. He’s a warrior.”

Arnold, meanwhile, is not anticipated to miss extensive time, though Campbell admitted his status for the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals is uncertain.

“I don’t see this being a major thing, but the real question is if he’s ready this week,” Campbell said. “If not this week, then certainly he should return by the following game.”

Campbell suggested the team won’t rush to sign or trade for new players, instead leaning on its depth to cover for Arnold and Reed.

“We’ve always preached the next-man-up mentality, preparing the reserves to step in, giving them real practice reps from camp through these first four weeks,” Campbell said. “Our backups get exposure to the system, our plays, and are expected to execute without drop-off. That’s our standard here, and the guys know it.”

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