The Detroit Lions’ roster has an evident deficiency at cornerback. Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon suggested that the Lions fill that vacancy by making a big trade for Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
Kenyon proposed trading Surtain for the Lions’ No. 29 overall pick, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
“If he’s not already the NFL’s best cornerback, Patrick Surtain II isn’t far removed from that label,” Kenyon wrote in an email. “A first-team AP All-Pro selection in 2022, he is unquestionably the most talented player on the Denver Broncos.”
“Given that fact, the concept of trading him may appear absurd. But as Denver embarks on a rebuild, its financial situation is dire—and that’s before quarterback Russell Wilson’s impending departure wrecks the books even more in 2024.
“Surtain would definitely cost at least two first-round picks. But if the Lions are serious about winning the Super Bowl, he’d make a championship-worthy impact at their most critical position.”
Surtain was named first-team All-Pro during the 2022 season. He was also named to the Pro Bowl in each of the previous two seasons.
Surtain finished 2023 with 69 total tackles, 12 pass defences, and one interception.
Surtain has one year remaining on his rookie contract and a potential fifth-year option. Spotrac predicted that Surtain’s next contract would be worth $82.3 million.
What Would Patrick Surtain II Bring to Lions?
The connection with Surtain in Detroit is rather evident.
The Lions finished 2023 rated 27th in passing yards allowed and 29th in yards per pass attempt. They also recorded 28 passing touchdowns, ranking 27th in the NFL.
However, the Lions have the opportunity to radically restructure their cornerback room this offseason. Cameron Sutton, a free agent, and Brian Branch, a 2023 second-round pick, are currently under contract. But fellow cornerbacks Kindle Vildor, Jerry Jacobs, and Emmanuel Moseley will be unrestricted free agents come March.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22984688/1350508996.jpg)
According to experts, the Lions have several first-round cornerback options in the 2024 draft class. According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Lions should trade up in the first round to get one of the position’s top prospects.
The Lions have also been linked to potential free agent cornerbacks like Ronald Darby.
Trading for Surtain would be far more expensive, but it may be a huge first step toward transforming the Lions’ biggest weakness into a potential strength.
Surtain was ranked second-best by Pro Football Focus among cornerbacks who played at least 220 defensive snaps in 2022. He had the second best coverage grade among all cornerbacks.
The Lions cornerbacks suffered most in coverage during the 2023 season. Detroit also allowed 934 passing yards throughout the playoffs.
Surtain did not maintain those high scores in 2023, but he was still superior to the Lions’ cornerbacks, according to PFF. He is also just 23 years old.
Would the Lions choose Surtain over a rookie cornerback?
One may argue that the Lions should go all-in and trade for Surtain (assuming he is available) or choose the best available cornerback in the first round of 2024.
Targeting a rookie, especially at No. 29, carries risk. Surtain is already a well-established figure who may immediately benefit a competitive squad.
However, acquiring Surtain would result in the loss of another first-round pick and other draft resources.
Picking up Surtain’s fifth-year option would keep him on the Lions’ roster until 2025. To sign him after that, the Lions would have to spend more than $20 million per season on the cornerback.
The Lions’ decision to choose a rookie cornerback could lead to some growing pains in 2024. However, it is a more cheaper solution.
Detroit has $48 million in cap space. However, extensions for quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and offensive tackle Penei Sewell will be due in the coming years. The Lions will eventually have to pay defensive linemen Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Lions prefer a lower-cost long-term cornerback option than Surtain.
Whether the Lions consider signing Surtain ultimately depends on whether the franchise wants to go all-in in 2024.
Leave a Reply