The Detroit Lions have spent years trying to stabilize their secondary under head coach Dan Campbell, but the unit continues to be a weakness. Despite multiple investments through the draft and free agency, Detroit’s pass defense remains inconsistent and in need of reinforcement.

This week, Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker suggested the Lions once again turn to free agency to address the issue. When asked to name one player Detroit should target this offseason, Locker identified cornerback Roger McCreary as a potential solution.

“As the Lions head into an offseason of critical reflection, they’ll likely lament what’s happened to the state of their cornerback room by the end of the last two seasons,” Locker wrote. “Although significant investments have been made, more is needed, especially on the inside with Amik Robertson no longer under contract.”

“McCreary represents a younger upgrade at slot corner. The 25-year-old owns a 70.0 overall PFF grade across his four-year career, including a 68.7 coverage mark. After joining the Rams midseason, McCreary recorded a 79.4 coverage grade, and his 6.9 snaps per target tied for fourth among slot corners. The former second-round pick brings inside-outside versatility with starting upside.”

The Tennessee Titans selected McCreary with the No. 35 overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He finished his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Rams after being traded at the 2025 NFL deadline.

In 14 games during the 2025 season, McCreary recorded 37 combined tackles, two pass breakups, one interception, and one sack.

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Lions Pass Defense Under Dan Campbell

Detroit’s struggles in pass defense have persisted throughout Campbell’s tenure, even during the team’s most successful seasons.

In 2025, the Lions showed improvement but still ranked 20th in the NFL in passing yards allowed.
In 2024, Detroit ranked near the bottom of the league in pass defense efficiency despite allowing relatively fewer total passing yards.

Over Campbell’s five seasons as head coach, the Lions’ best finish in passing yards allowed has been 20th, underscoring a long-term weakness in the secondary.

McCreary would arrive with experience but room to grow. He has started fewer games each season in his career, yet he remains just 26 years old and has shown strong upside, particularly in slot coverage.

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Lions Cornerback Depth Entering 2026

Detroit’s cornerback group could undergo major turnover this offseason. Amik Robertson is set to hit free agency, along with Avonte Maddox, Arthur Maulet, Jalen Mills, Rock Ya-Sin, and Dicaprio Bottle.

Due to injuries, Robertson and Ya-Sin led Lions outside cornerbacks in defensive snaps last season.

From 2023 to 2024, Detroit used three top-two-round draft picks on defensive backs. All remain under contract, including Brian Branch, arguably the team’s best player in the secondary.

However, Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw have yet to fully develop because of injuries. Rakestraw missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a shoulder injury in training camp.

While the upside of Detroit’s young defensive backs is significant, the Lions would be wise to add a proven veteran option to protect against future injury issues.

McCreary has started 38 games across 61 career appearances, totaling 257 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 17 pass defenses, and three interceptions.

With his age, versatility, and recent strong coverage performance, McCreary could represent a “younger upgrade” and a key piece in fixing one of Dan Campbell’s longest-running defensive problems.