The Detroit Lions have explored numerous avenues to address weaknesses in their secondary during head coach Dan Campbell’s tenure, but questions persist about whether enough progress has been made. Despite sustained efforts and investments, the unit remains an area in need of further reinforcement.
This week, Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker suggested Detroit once again look to free agency for help. When asked to identify one free agent the Lions should consider targeting in March, Locker pointed to cornerback Roger McCreary as a potential solution.
As Detroit enters a pivotal offseason, the organization is expected to re-evaluate the condition of its cornerback group after the conclusion of the past two seasons. While the Lions have committed significant resources to the position, Locker argued that additional upgrades are still required—particularly at slot cornerback—with Amik Robertson set to hit free agency.
McCreary profiles as a younger option who could provide an upgrade on the inside. The 25-year-old cornerback has compiled a 70.0 overall Pro Football Focus grade across his four NFL seasons, including a 68.7 coverage grade. After being acquired midseason by the Los Angeles Rams, McCreary posted a 79.4 coverage grade and ranked tied for fourth among slot corners with 6.9 snaps allowed per target. A former second-round pick, McCreary offers both inside-outside versatility and potential starting upside—traits that could appeal to Detroit’s defensive staff.
Originally selected 35th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft, McCreary concluded his rookie contract with the Rams after being traded at the 2025 deadline. During the 2025 season, he appeared in 14 games, recording 37 combined tackles, two pass breakups, one interception, and one sack.
Detroit’s struggles against the pass have been a recurring theme throughout Campbell’s tenure, even during the team’s most successful stretches. While the Lions showed improvement in 2025, they still ranked 20th in the NFL in passing yards allowed. In 2024, the defense finished second-best in passing yards surrendered, though inconsistencies remained evident in other metrics. Over the past five seasons, the highest ranking Detroit has achieved in passing yards allowed under Campbell has been 20th.
McCreary’s recent production comes with some caveats. He made only three starts in 2025 and has seen a steady decline in starts each season of his career. However, he is set to turn 26 in February, and Locker views his age and athletic profile as indicators of untapped upside that could benefit the Lions.
Detroit is also facing significant turnover at cornerback heading into the 2026 season. In addition to Robertson, five other defensive backs—Avonte Maddox, Arthur Maulet, Jalen Mills, Rock Ya-Sin, and Dicaprio Bottle—are scheduled to become free agents. While none are marquee names, injuries forced Robertson and Ya-Sin to log the most defensive snaps among Detroit’s outside cornerbacks last season.
From 2023 to 2024, the Lions invested heavily in the secondary through the draft, selecting three defensive backs in the first two rounds. All remain under contract, including Brian Branch, who has emerged as one of Detroit’s most impactful defensive players. However, fellow 2024 draftees Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw have yet to meet expectations, largely due to injury concerns. Rakestraw missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a shoulder injury during training camp.
While the long-term potential of Detroit’s young defensive backs remains promising, the Lions may benefit from adding experienced depth to mitigate further injury risks. McCreary brings a solid resume, having started 38 games across 61 career appearances. He has totaled 257 combined tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 17 pass breakups, and three interceptions—production that could make him a viable addition to Detroit’s evolving secondary.
