Free agency is upon us, and the Detroit Lions may suddenly have a major hole at cornerback. With uncertainty surrounding Terrion Arnold, Detroit could be forced to turn to the veteran market. Here are three free-agent corners, one they should sign, one they probably will and one they shouldn’t.
Free agency is set to begin next week, and the Detroit Lions have several areas on the roster that need attention. One of the most pressing questions involves the cornerback position. With recent reports suggesting Terrion Arnold could be involved in a legal situation related to a kidnapping investigation, Detroit may need to move quickly to reinforce its secondary through free agency or the draft.
While the Lions could look to the incoming rookie class, adding a veteran cornerback would provide stability for a defense expected to contend in the National Football League next season. Here are three free-agent cornerbacks to watch: one player I believe Detroit will sign, one I want them to sign and one I think the team should avoid.
1. James Pierre — Who I think the Lions will sign
Pierre quietly put together one of the most efficient seasons among cornerbacks in 2025. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished with an 86.8 overall defensive grade, the second-best among cornerbacks, and an 89.7 coverage grade, which ranked first at the position.
Quarterbacks found little success when targeting him. Pierre allowed just 14 receptions all season, recorded nine pass breakups (tied for ninth most in the league) and held opposing quarterbacks to a 52.8 passer rating. He also intercepted one pass and missed only six tackles throughout the year.
Pierre played 377 total snaps, including 235 coverage snaps, and consistently limited big plays. At 29 years old, he is coming off a breakout season after spending the early part of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
For Detroit, Pierre would represent a relatively affordable option who could compete for significant playing time immediately. His coverage efficiency and ability to limit completions would fit well in a secondary that needs reliability on the outside.
2. Jamel Dean — Who I want the Lions to sign
Dean would be my top choice for Detroit if the team decides to invest in a proven veteran. The longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback has already been linked to Detroit in several offseason predictions, largely because of his physical playing style and experience covering top receivers.
Dean is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. In 2025, he posted an 80.6 overall PFF grade, which ranked third among qualifying NFL cornerbacks, along with a 75.9 coverage grade. When quarterbacks targeted him, they produced just a 46.9 passer rating, the lowest in the league, and completed only 43.1 percent of their passes.
Dean finished the season with three interceptions, including a pick-six, along with two forced fumbles and 46 tackles. Those numbers highlight both his playmaking ability and his willingness to be physical in coverage and run support.
Entering his eighth NFL season with 96 career games played and a Super Bowl title, Dean brings experience and consistency. For the Lions, he could step in immediately as a starting boundary cornerback and help stabilize a secondary that has dealt with injuries and inconsistency in recent seasons. His press-man skills would also complement Detroit’s aggressive defensive front, which relies on strong coverage behind the pass rush.
3. Trevon Diggs — Who I don’t want the Lions to sign
Diggs has long been known as one of the league’s premier ball hawks, but his recent performance has been far too inconsistent for a team looking to solidify its secondary.
In 2025, Diggs posted a 59.8 overall PFF grade, including a 65.9 coverage grade and a 44.5 run-defense grade. He recorded just 25 tackles and allowed a 157.2 passer rating when targeted, the worst among NFL cornerbacks. Opposing receivers also averaged 17.9 yards per catch against him, another worst in the league statistic.
Diggs struggled significantly in coverage throughout the season, often getting beaten downfield. His 2024 campaign was similarly disappointing, raising questions about whether he can return to the form he once displayed earlier in his career.
Injuries have also played a major role. Diggs suffered a torn ACL in 2023, and he has not looked like the same player since. After being released by both the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers, his future as a reliable starter remains uncertain.
While Diggs still has the ability to create splash plays, Detroit needs stability and consistency at cornerback. Given his recent struggles and injury history, signing him would be a significant gamble.
Conclusion
The Lions may not be aggressive spenders at the cornerback position in free agency, but it would be surprising if they did not add at least one veteran option. Whether it is a reliable value signing like Pierre or a proven starter such as Dean, Detroit’s front office will likely look to reinforce the position before the 2026 season begins.