Detroit Lions could be dumb not to try to snag a genuine shutdown corner from the Super Bowl champs

admin | February 24, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

This offseason, the Detroit Lions must go all in on a top-tier cornerback.

Since Matt Patricia pushed Darius Slay out of town four years ago, the Detroit Lions haven’t had a legitimate number one cornerback. A strong draft class could result in a youthful replacement for Slay. Finally, But asking a rookie to face the opponent’s No. 1 receiver every week may be a reach.

In 2023 free agency, general manager Brad Holmes immediately began overhauling the Lions’ secondary. The first move was to sign Cameron Sutton to a three-year contract. Sutton, who started for the Pittsburgh Steelers the last two seasons, is expected to become the Lions’ top cornerback.

That didn’t happen. Sutton had a terrible debut season in Detroit. Despite facing a slew of talented wide receivers down the stretch, he was unprepared to make an impact, and the Lions’ pass defense struggled as a result.

Sutton will have a chance to comeback next season. However, he must be dethroned in the pecking order, and he cannot regularly face the opposing team’s No. 1 wide receiver.

Detroit Lions would be foolish not to pursue L’Jarius Sneed

Holmes undoubtedly imagined Sutton becoming the Lions’ top cornerback last season. He was merely incorrect, which is not a problem. Even the best general managers can make mistakes. However, the Lions’ cornerbacks’ troubles in 2023 must be addressed if the team is to get to the Super Bowl the following season.

The Kansas City Chiefs could franchise tag L’Jarius Sneed, keeping him off the free market. That would cost $19.8 million and would most likely be a stopgap for negotiations on a long-term agreement. However, the Chiefs have a history of not paying cornerbacks, having taken four in the last two drafts. So it’s entirely possible that he’ll be allowed to enter the open market.

Throughout his first three seasons with the Chiefs, Sneed primarily played in the slot. But he moved outside last season and began frequently covering the opponent’s top receiver. As the closest defender, he allowed a 56.2 passer rating and 51% completion percentage, earning a Pro Football Focus top-30 overall grade.

Sneed has a difficulty with penalties. During the regular season, he got 17 flags, mostly for pass interference. However, given the alternatives, the Lions should welcome this aggressive style. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and new defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend should look for someone with whom they can collaborate to reduce penalties while maintaining Sneed’s strengths.

It all depends on if the Chiefs allow Sneed to enter the market. However, if he does, the Lions should be fully committed to chasing him and ready to make him an offer he cannot refuse.

Sutton was a half-measure to bring in a top-tier cornerback last offseason (h/t to “Breaking Bad”, NSFW). There will be no more half-measures on that front. Sneed should be the Lions’ top free agent target, regardless of position.