The Detroit Lions recently attempted to bolster their cornerback room by signing veteran cornerback Michael Davis, but unfortunately, they were outmaneuvered by the New Orleans Saints.
The Detroit Lions recently attempted to bolster their cornerback room by signing veteran cornerback Michael Davis, but unfortunately, they were outmaneuvered by the New Orleans Saints. Davis, who has 76 starts under his belt, opted to sign with the Saints due to his familiarity with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who was his head coach during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Why the Lions Wanted Michael Davis
– Experience: Davis brings a wealth of experience, having played in the NFL for several teams, including the Chargers and Washington Commanders.
– Depth: The Lions needed to add depth to their cornerback room after injuries to D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, and Davis’s signing would have provided a significant boost.
– Leadership: As a veteran player, Davis would have brought leadership and stability to the Lions’ secondary ¹.
Current State of the Lions’ Cornerback Room
The Lions have lost some depth at cornerback, with Kindle Vildor signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Currently, the team has signed the following cornerbacks ²:
– D.J. Reed: A projected starter, but he’s currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
– Terrion Arnold: Expected to return to the field within the month after a shoulder injury.
– Amik Robertson: A young cornerback who will likely see more playing time.
– Tre Flowers: A veteran cornerback recently signed to the practice squad, bringing experience and stability to the secondary.
Impact of Not Signing Michael Davis
The Lions will need to continue searching for depth at cornerback, especially with Terrion Arnold’s injury and D.J. Reed’s hamstring issue. Fortunately, Arnold’s injury might not be as severe as initially thought, with reports suggesting he could return to the field within the month. The team has already signed Tre Flowers to the practice squad, who brings versatility and adaptability to the secondary.
What’s Next for the Lions
The Lions have a tough schedule ahead, facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. They’ll need to focus on developing their young players and finding ways to compensate for the loss of key defensive players. With their “next man up” philosophy, the Lions are likely to give opportunities to players like Flowers to step up and fill the gaps ¹ ³.
