The Detroit Lions' offense has been the main catalyst of their success over the past two seasons. But their defense isn’t something that should be ignored as they chase a Super Bowl appearance in 2025.
Detroit’s defense was under the spotlight last season as it navigated 13 players on injured reserve to claim the best record in the NFC. While the Lions will be looking to add to that depth as they approach next week’s NFL Draft, they also have to keep an eye on the future, where a cheaper alternative may be waiting.
This could lead to a premature ending for one player’s tenure in Detroit and someone that should be placed on the trade block ahead of the draft.
Lions Should Consider Trading Amik Robertson Ahead of NFL Draft
Amik Robertson came to Detroit on a two-year, $9.25 million contract last offseason, and many would declare his first season with the Lions a success. The 5-foot-9, 183-pound corner took over the nickel role and appeared in all 17 games, making four starts and logging 50 total tackles to go with eight pass defenses and three forced fumbles.
Perhaps his biggest moment with the Lions came in Week 18 when he allowed four catches for 60 yards on eight targets, but handled Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson. While Robertson broke his arm in the playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, the performance against Jefferson is what everybody remembers going into the offseason, and it skews reality for the 26-year-old.
Robertson posted a career-high overall grade of 64.7 according to Pro Football Focus, but his coverage grade slumped to 62.2. He also struggled in the slot, where he allowed 1.61 yards per coverage snap, which was the sixth-highest among 42 qualifying cornerbacks last season. This isn’t a problem as teams put players in different spots, but problematic when Robertson’s 287 snaps in the slot were 19th among all corners last season.
This is also a problem when Robertson’s play warranted a $1.957 valuation last season according to Over The Cap. This wasn’t an issue with his $2.85 million cap number a year ago, but calls for a significant step up as that number jumps to $6.4 million this season.
The Lions would have to be shrewd to move Robertson, but there could be a market with teams looking to get younger and cheaper at the cornerback position. If a team doesn’t find something they like in the draft, they could call Detroit to plug a veteran stopgap in for this season, allowing the Lions to cash in on a stock that they should sell high.
