It has been recommended that the Detroit Lions sign a veteran safety to help fill out their roster before the season.
The Detroit Lions have set their initial 2024 roster ahead of Week 1, and they appear to be stronger in numerous places following a rigorous offseason.
Despite this, the Lions may still have some issues to solve before the season begins, and some believe they will be on the defensive side of the ball. Brad Holmes improved the defensive backfield significantly through free agency and the draft, but a gap may still exist that must be filled.
Before the season, Bleacher Report identified the biggest vulnerability on each roster, including the defensive backfield. What is their solution? Add Super Bowl champion safety Jalen Mills, who formerly played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and, temporarily, the New York Giants.
“The Lions’ need for a cornerback was well-documented this offseason and while the front office made several additions, it couldn’t hurt to throw one more player into the mix especially while Emmanuel Moseley is on injured reserve.”
“Mills would be a good target since he has the versatility to cover the boundary or the slot and can play safety if needed. That’s a solid option to turn to off the bench, and his 73.5 passer rating when targeted last year, per Pro Football Focus, would be a welcomed sight.”
Mills may fill the vacuum left by Ifeatu Melifonwu’s injury, assuming it is a genuine issue that will last several weeks.
Dan Campbell explains Detroit Lions’ open roster spot before season opener
The Lions could technically add Mills right away because they only have 52 players on the roster. That, of course, will alter before the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
Dan Campbell was asked about his decision to retain a roster space open before the season began.
“I think it’s for the flexibility. Really, it gives us flexibility to make a move if we need to, (if) we need to add somebody. We’re going to have a pretty good idea within the next probably 48 hours here, 24 to 48 hours, exactly how we want to go into this game and who we want to go into the game with. That could have a little bearing on roster play, practice squad, vet squad, that whole thing. So it just gives us a little bit of room to maneuver.”
If the defense has a need in the coming days, it’s not surprising that the Lions would explore a veteran like Mills.