Over the previous year, the Detroit Lions have made significant strides to improve their secondary, but they have fallen short on some key opportunities.
Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, two of the team’s greatest recruits last offseason, missed the most of the season due to injuries. Gardner-Johnson left in free agency this summer, but Moseley will return on a new contract.
According to a recent rumor, the Lions could make another significant move this summer by pursuing a trade for Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report went down potential deals for veterans, mentioning that the Lions might be a top candidate for Baker if he revisits his trade request from last season.
‘Easy’ Financial Move for the Lions
Holder noted that Baker originally asked for a trade last year, then ended up staying with the Cardinals and getting a raise. Holder suggested the Cardinals could think again about dealing the 28-year-old safety, which could help give them assets in their roster rebuild.
“Not that Arizona needs it, but it would save them $15.1 million, per Over The Cap, by trading the defensive back in addition to getting a player of future asset back for a guy who might leave for nothing next spring,” Holder wrote. “Also, it would be a bit of a surprise if the Cardinals are much of a playoff contender even with Baker in the tough NFC West.”
Holder speculated that other teams would be interested, including the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, but noted it could be the easiest move for the Lions.
“Unlike Baltimore, Detroit can afford to make this happen easily financially and on the field,” Holder wrote. “The Lions currently have the fourth-most cap space available (about $31.1 million) and the Cardinal would be an upgrade over Kerby Joseph. Also, the organization is in a spot where it can take on a one-and-done contract as the team is eying a Super Bowl run.”
Baker has shown little decline in play, making the Pro Bowl in each of the last five seasons with two All-Pro seasons during that stretch. He appeared in 12 games last season, making 87 total tackles including five tackles for a loss.
Lions Adding Youth to Their Secondary
The Lions have already made some big investments into their secondary this offseason, using their first two draft picks on defensive backs — Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the first round and Missouri corner Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the two rookies should add some healthy competition to a position group that’s already deep, with veterans Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, Kindle Vildor, and Moseley in the mix for playing time.
“They’ve got to win a spot, you know, because Carlton Davis III has been a proven starter,” Holmes stated on the team’s official website. “When healthy, Emmanuel Moseley is a proven starter. Amik Robertson is an established starter who has made plays.
“They all want to play, and they’re all wired correctly, but gosh, it’s good to be on the roster. If these corners play, they will play. They have to win a slot, and that applies to everyone.”
