The Lions Are Thinking About Bringing Back a Veteran DB to Support Injury-Hit Defense
As the NFL season intensifies and playoff hopes start to take shape, the Detroit Lions are facing a growing challenge. Their defense, which has had a rocky start, is now experiencing a critical injury crisis, particularly in the defensive backfield. With key players sidelined and others battling injuries, the Lions are reportedly considering bringing back a veteran cornerback or safety to stabilize their defense and maintain their competitiveness through the latter half of the season.
Defensive Struggles and the Injury Crisis
Heading into the 2024 NFL season, the Detroit Lions were hoping to build on the improvements made in recent years, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. After a somewhat shaky 2023 campaign where the defense finished mid-pack in several categories, the team made several moves to bolster their defense in the offseason. However, the injury bug has plagued the unit, with several significant players dealing with either long-term injuries or nagging ailments that have compromised their ability to contribute.
One of the most glaring concerns has been in the defensive backfield. Cornerbacks and safeties, who were expected to form the backbone of the Lions’ secondary, have been particularly vulnerable. In recent weeks, both starting cornerbacks, along with key safeties, have been sidelined due to injuries ranging from hamstrings to ankle sprains and even concussions. This has led to an increasingly depleted depth chart and a lack of cohesion in the secondary, leaving the team vulnerable to big plays through the air.
With the Lions’ defense unable to stop high-powered offenses, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has been forced to get creative with his rotations. The team has relied on several backup players, and while some have stepped up, the overall consistency and stability needed to be competitive at the highest level has been lacking.
As the team struggles with these growing concerns, the idea of bringing back a veteran defensive back (DB) has become an attractive solution. Whether through a free agent signing or a return of a former Lion, adding a seasoned player who can help anchor the secondary seems to be the most logical move.
Why a Veteran DB?
The NFL is a league where experience often trumps raw talent, particularly in high-pressure situations. A veteran defensive back brings more than just physical skills to the table; they provide invaluable leadership, composure, and knowledge of how to read offenses. This is especially critical in a secondary unit that has been decimated by injuries and is filled with younger, less experienced players.
A veteran DB is also more likely to come with a wealth of experience in handling different offensive schemes and receivers. This adaptability would allow the Lions’ defense to respond better to the variety of offensive threats they face weekly, from fast and elusive wide receivers to big, physical targets. In addition, having a steady hand in the backfield could elevate the play of younger defensive backs who have been thrust into starting roles due to injuries.
Another critical reason the Lions are considering bringing back a veteran DB is their need for someone who can mentor and guide the young players on the roster. For instance, if they brought in a player with a similar play style to the current Lions cornerbacks or safeties, the veteran could provide an immediate impact by helping them adjust their technique or approach to the game. The younger players would also benefit from hearing firsthand accounts of how to handle critical game situations, helping them mature both on and off the field.
Furthermore, the Lions are not simply playing for regular season victories; they are aiming for a spot in the playoffs. The secondary will be tested more than ever as they face tough opponents with dynamic quarterbacks and receiving corps. A veteran DB could make the difference in securing crucial wins down the stretch, especially in high-stakes games that will likely determine playoff positioning.
Possible Candidates for the Return
Although rumors have circulated that the Lions are looking into several veteran DBs, it’s still unclear who exactly might be on their radar. However, there are a few potential candidates that could fit the Lions’ needs:
- Darius Slay (CB): The former Lion and current Philadelphia Eagles cornerback has long been a fan favorite in Detroit. Slay played in Detroit from 2013 to 2019, earning three Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks. Though he is now in his 30s, Slay has continued to perform at a high level for the Eagles, and his familiarity with the Lions’ system makes him an ideal candidate for a return. His leadership would be invaluable to a struggling secondary.
- Quandre Diggs (S): Another former Lion who is playing at a high level elsewhere is safety Quandre Diggs. Diggs, now with the Seattle Seahawks, was a fan favorite during his time in Detroit and has continued to perform at an elite level in Seattle’s secondary. Diggs is a ball hawk who excels at creating turnovers and could bring stability to a defense in need of playmaking ability.
- Chris Harris Jr. (CB): A veteran cornerback who has been a reliable presence in the league for over a decade, Harris has played for the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers. Though he is no longer in the prime of his career, Harris’ wealth of experience and football IQ could still be a valuable asset to a team dealing with injury woes.
- Tashaun Gipson (S): A versatile safety who has spent years as a starter for several teams, Gipson’s range and ability to read the quarterback would allow him to contribute immediately to a defense in need of a veteran presence. His experience in both the run and pass game would be crucial for a Lions team looking to solidify its defensive backfield.
The Lions’ Playoff Push
As the Lions move into the final stretch of the regular season, they must make crucial decisions about how to fortify their defense. With the NFC North up for grabs and playoff aspirations on the line, every game counts. A veteran DB could be the stabilizing force that helps propel the Lions through their injury-riddled defense, making them a stronger and more complete team for the postseason.
The injury crisis in the secondary has highlighted the importance of depth and leadership, and adding a player with experience could make all the difference. If the Lions are serious about contending for a Super Bowl, they will need to address these concerns soon, before the holes in their defense prove to be too large to overcome.
