The Detroit Lions have an unexpected vacancy at cornerback after Cameron Sutton was released for domestic assault charges, and one report believes they could locate an All-Pro replacement in free agency.
The Lions severed connections with Sutton when authorities in Florida stated that he was wanted on violence charges and appealed for public assistance in locating him. While the legal case is still ongoing, the Lions stated on March 21 that Sutton had been discharged.
The Lions had previously addressed their secondary with a series of free-agent signings, but they will now be forced to replace a guy who was frequently assigned to cover opponents’ top receivers. Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report recommended a replacement, listing the Lions as a leading contender to sign former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard.
Lions Urged to Add Veteran Cornerback
Davenport highlighted that the Lions needed additional assistance in the secondary even before Sutton’s release, and that they may be considerably more aggressive in finding reinforcements now that he is gone.
“The cornerback position was already something of a weak spot for the Detroit Lions, and the recent release of Cameron Sutton following domestic battery charges in Florida just makes the need all the more pressing,” Davenport said in a statement.
Howard, who has made the Pro Bowl in four of his eight seasons with Miami, is coming off a season in which he recorded 45 total tackles, one interception, and 12 passes defensed. Howard made it obvious that he wants to join a postseason contender next season after appearing in only two playoff games in Miami — first-round losses in 2016 and 2022, with an injury keeping him out of last year’s game.
