The Detroit Lions haven’t had a legitimate No. 1 cornerback since Matt Patricia forced Darius Slay out four years ago. A deep draft class at the position may eventually produce a youthful replacement for Slay. But asking a rookie to face the opponent’s No. 1 receiver every week may be a reach.
In 2023 free agency, general manager Brad Holmes immediately began overhauling the Lions’ secondary. The first move was to sign Cameron Sutton to a three-year contract. Sutton had started for the Pittsburgh Steelers the previous two seasons, and it was easy to see him taking the next step toward being the Lions’ metaphorical No. 1 cornerback.
That didn’t happen. Sutton had a terrible debut season in Detroit. Despite facing a slew of talented wide receivers down the stretch, he was unprepared to make an impact, and the Lions’ pass defence struggled as a result.
Sutton will have a chance to comeback next season. However, he must be dethroned in the pecking order, and he cannot regularly face the opposing team’s No. 1 wide receiver.
The Detroit Lions would be crazy not to pursue. L’Jarius Holmes expected Sutton to become the Lions’ top cornerback last season. He was merely incorrect, which is not a problem. Even the best general managers make mistakes on occasion. However, the Lions’ cornerback troubles in 2023 must be addressed if the team is to advance to the Super Bowl the following year.
The Kansas City Chiefs could franchise tag L’Jarius Sneed, keeping him off the free market. That would cost $19.8 million and would most likely be a stopgap for negotiations on a long-term agreement. However, the Chiefs have a history of not paying cornerbacks, having taken four in the last two drafts. So it’s entirely possible that he’ll be allowed to enter the open market.
Throughout his first three seasons with the Chiefs, Sneed primarily played in the slot. But he moved outside last season and began frequently covering the opponent’s top receiver. As the closest defender, he allowed a 56.2 passer rating and a 51% completion rate, earning a Pro Football Focus overall grade in the top thirty.
Sneed has a difficulty with penalties. During the regular season, he was flagged 17 times, the majority of which were for handsy pass interference. However, given the alternatives, the Lions should welcome this aggressive style. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and new defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend should look for someone with whom they can collaborate to reduce penalties while maintaining Sneed’s strengths.
It all depends on if the Chiefs allow Sneed to enter the market. However, if he does, the Lions should be all in on following him, prepared to make him an offer he can’t refuse.
Sutton was a half-measure to bring in a top-tier cornerback last offseason (h/t “Breaking Bad”, NSFW). There will be no more half-measures on that front. Regardless of position, Sneed should be the Lions’ top free agent target.
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