The Detroit Lions could be in the market for a cornerback this offseason, as the team lacks depth at the position and could lose Carlton Davis in free agency. The veteran started 13 games for Detroit in 2024 before fracturing his jaw during the Lions Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Rookie Terrion Arnold started 15 contests for Detroit during his rookie campaign and is a cornerstone player on the defense. The 2024 No.24 overall pick knocked down ten passes and also allowed a 61.2% completion rate on 98 targets in 2024.
If Davis departs in free agency and the Lions need another starting boundary corner opposite Arnold, CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani predicts general manager Brad Holmes will sign New Orleans Saints defensive back Paulson Adebo to address the potential need.
“Here’s maybe a forgotten free agent that could be the gem of the class,” Dajani wrote. “Paulson Adebo suffered a broken femur in Week 7, but was having a career year before being injured. The Lions need to upgrade the secondary, and Adebo would do just that.”
As Dajani stated, a broken femur limited Adebo to just seven games in 2024. Though the 2021 third-round pick’s season was cut short, Adebo was on pace for a Pro Bowl campaign and is one of the most under-the-radar free agents this offseason.
The 25-year-old snagged three interceptions and knocked down 10 passes in his seven starts in 2024. Adebo also allowed just a 59.6% completion rate on 57 targets and a 67.0 passer rating when targeted.
The young corner also had a tremendous 2023 campaign, starting 15 games and totaling four interceptions with a 56.8% completion rate allowed on 88 targets and a 69.9 passer rating when targeted.
Spotrac projects Adebo will land a two-year deal worth $22 million on the open market, while Pro Football Focus believes the former Stanford standout will receive a three-year contract worth $40 million with $25 million guaranteed.
Over the Cap lists the Lions’ estimated cap number at $46 million, which is plenty of money to sign Adebo and also address other needs on the roster.
Though Adebo is coming off a serious injury, the former Day 2 pick is an ascending player who is still young and would be a fantastic CB2 opposite Arnold. Holmes should look to target Adebo in free agency this offseason if Davis leaves Detroit.
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