The Detroit Lions are considering options to replace cornerback Carlton Davis, who suffered a fractured jaw in December 2024 and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. One potential replacement is D.J. Reed, a standout cornerback from the New York Jets. Reed held quarterbacks to a 58.3% completion rate when targeting him in 2024 and has not allowed a completion percentage higher than 61.4 over the last four seasons. He recorded 64 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 11 passes defensed in 2024.
Another option is Paulson Adebo, a cornerback for the New Orleans Saints. Adebo has been recognized for his solid performance and could be a viable under-the-radar candidate to bolster the Lions’ secondary.
Internally, the Lions have several players who could step up in Davis’s absence, including Emmanuel Moseley, Kindle Vildor, Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, Amik Robertson, and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Each brings unique skills and experience to the position, and the coaching staff will need to assess the best fit to maintain the defense’s effectiveness.
As the Lions navigate this challenge, they will weigh the benefits of acquiring external talent like Reed or Adebo against promoting from within their roster. The decision will hinge on factors such as player performance, team chemistry, and salary cap considerations.