Detroit Lions Acquire Safety Andre Cisco From Jets Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline

With the NFL trade deadline approaching tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET, several teams have already begun making moves. The Jacksonville Jaguars have emerged as the biggest buyers recently, trading for Jordan Davis and Jesse Bates while giving up a first-round pick, two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick.

Detroit didn’t sit quietly, either. Although the Lions made a move of their own, they only gave up a sixth-round pick to acquire safety Andre Cisco from the New York Jets.

Cisco has played 191 snaps this season, recording 14 solo tackles, forcing one fumble and totaling one sack, which ironically came against Jared Goff. He has also allowed just 6.4 yards per reception, the seventh-best mark among NFL safeties. According to PFF, Cisco owns an overall defensive grade of 63.2, ranking 41st out of 100 safeties. However, what impresses me most is his pass-rush grade of 82.5, which ranks sixth, along with his run-defense grade of 81.1, ranking 16th.

Cisco previously played for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2021 to 2024 after being selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, he has appeared in 80 games while making 59 starts. He has recorded eight interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, along with 26 pass deflections, 2.5 sacks and six tackles for loss.

In 2023, Cisco put together the best season of his career, earning an overall PFF defensive grade of 68.9, ranking 37th among safeties, and a coverage grade of 71.5, ranking 27th. He recorded four interceptions, the third-most among all safeties that season, along with 46 total tackles and one forced fumble. He also allowed an 83.9 passer rating when targeted.

In 2025, Cisco played 499 snaps, earning an overall PFF grade of 61.3, ranking 63rd among safeties. He also posted a coverage grade of 54.5, ranking 67th, and a run-defense grade of 75.7, ranking 26th.

There’s no question that Kelvin Sheppard has a type, and it’s a safety who can get after the quarterback and contribute against the run. Although I like the acquisition, I do think it raises some questions about the future of other safeties on Detroit’s roster, including Thomas Harper, who remains on injured reserve, and All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, who is slowly working his way back after not playing in a game in more than a year.

Despite facing the Patriots earlier this season, Cisco appeared in just two snaps, recording two solo tackles. Detroit will practice Wednesday and Thursday before departing for Germany late Thursday night to prepare for its matchup against the New England Patriots. Sunday’s game will kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET.