The Detroit Lions have had an excellent 2024 season, as the team finished with a record of 15-2 and are the No.1 seed in the NFC heading into the playoffs. Detroit has won 14 of their last 15 games and also notched eight victories by more than 10 points in the regular season.
The Lions’ offense has been dynamic and explosive this year, but the defense has also been tremendous despite being ravaged by injuries. The unit has lost multiple key starters to significant injuries this season, including cornerback Carlton Davis. The veteran was having a solid debut campaign with the Lions before fracturing his jaw during the team’s Week 15 matchup versus the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Dan Campbell stated on Tuesday that he doesn’t envision Davis returning to the lineup this season.
Though the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer was flourishing in Aaron Glenn’s defense before suffering his injury, Davis will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and there’s a good chance he won’t be back in 2025.
If the Lions fail to retain Davis or want to add another starting-level player to the secondary in the offseason, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder predicts general manager Brad Holmes will sign Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. in 2025 free agency.
Cornerback was one of the top needs in Detroit last offseason. and that will carry over into 2025. Carlton Davis is an impending free agent and Terrion Arnold has taken his lumps as a rookie this year. Even if Davis gets re-signed, the defense could use another veteran to make another Super Bowl run. Murphy is coming off a career year and will be one of the top corners available on the open market.
Murphy has put together two solid seasons with the Vikings since joining the team in 2023, but the former Washington standout has taken his game to another level in 2024.
Murphy has snagged six interceptions with 14 passes defended this year and started all 17 games for Minnesota in the regular season. The 2019 second-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals also allowed just an 80.5 passer rating when targeted in 2024.
Detroit has found a cornerstone player in Terrion Arnold, but pairing the 2024 first-round pick with Murphy would be a masterful move from Brad Holmes. The 26-year-old has had a career year with the Vikings this season, and his versatility is also remarkable, as Murphy has played over 300 snaps in the slot to go along with over 600 snaps as a traditional boundary corner.
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