Tier 2 Cornerbacks Lions Could Target in Free Agency
The Detroit Lions are expected to pursue new depth in the secondary this offseason, at the cornerback position in particular.
Reports out of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis suggested that general manager Brad Holmes will indeed pursue a cornerback. However, in the event that the Lions are unable to land one of the top players at the position, an under-the-radar acquisition could be beneficial.
There's plenty of talent expected to be available when free agency officially opens on March 13. As a result, Holmes and company could be active rather quickly.
Here are four tier 2 cornerbacks that the Lions could pursue in free agency this month.
Darious Williams
There is a connection between Williams and the Lions' organization. Cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday, Williams could be in the market to have a reunion with Deshea Townsend.
Last season, the two were together with the Jaguars. Now, Townsend is the Lions' new cornerbacks coach and defensive passing game coordinator.
There's plenty to like about the potential fit. Though undersized at 5-foot-9, Williams mans the boundary as an outside corner. He had four interceptions last year and was tabbed with just seven missed tackles per Pro Football Focus.
He has the combination of physicality and coverage skills that Aaron Glenn covets for his defense. With his familiarity with Townsend, he could also hit the ground running if he were to come to Motown.
Adoree' Jackson
A seven-year veteran, Jackson entered the league highly touted as an explosive athlete. Mostly an outside corner, he spent some time in the slot early in the 2023 season.
He has four career interceptions and his coverage production dipped last season, as his PFF coverage grade fell to 45.6. The 2017 18th overall pick does still have some potential, however.
For one, he still has speed to stay in front of the fastest receivers, and his athletic ability allows him to be competitive in contested catch situations. If the Lions are looking for competitive depth, Jackson would be a wise investment on a short-term contract.
Rock Ya-Sin
Ya-Sin appears to be heading for his fourth team in as many years after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2019 Draft. He was traded to Las Vegas in 2022, then signed with Baltimore prior to last season.
With the Ravens, he started just one game at corner but played a total of 279 defensive snaps. In that time, he recorded two pass breakups and 13 tackles.
In large part, Ya-Sin is a physical defender who has graded out well as a tackler over the course of his career. Three of his seasons have ended with a PFF tackling grade over 70.0.
He's also played plenty of special teams and would fit nicely as depth within Detroit's cornerback room.
Ahkello Witherspoon
Witherspoon had a solid year for the Rams last season, collecting three interceptions to tie a career-high. He also had a passer rating against of just 76.7, which is exceptional.
He was a key part of the secondary for Los Angeles, reviving his production after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason. With 11 career interceptions, he's a proven ball-hawk who can generate takeaways.
Witherspoon is a long, rangy defender in coverage and also has the physicality to come up and make a play against the run. He had a missed tackle percentage of 14.3 last year, per PFF.
