Detroit Lions’ Cornerback Crisis: Why Signing Trevon Diggs Makes Sense

The Big Problem: Lions Lose Their Top Cornerback

Imagine your favorite football team had a plan. They picked a young player named Terrion Arnold to be their #1 cornerback (that’s the player who covers the other team’s best wide receiver) — not just for this year, but for many years to come.

Then, suddenly, they had to cut him.

Important Point: Even though Arnold had two disappointing seasons, the Lions were still counting on him to be their main guy at cornerback. Losing him leaves a massive hole in their defense.

What Happens Now? The "Next Man Up" Is a Rookie

With Arnold gone, the Lions’ secondary (the group of defensive backs who defend against passes) is looking pretty thin. Here’s who they have left:

• D.J. Reed – A solid veteran cornerback
• Keith Abney II – A 5th-round rookie pick who is on the smaller side for the position

That means a rookie who was picked late in the draft might have to start opposite Reed right away. That’s a big ask for a first-year player!

Enter Trevon Diggs: A Familiar Name, Still Available

Trevon Diggs is a former Pro Bowler (that means he was one of the best at his position in the league). He’s currently a free agent — meaning no team has signed him yet.

NFL.com’s Grant Gordon thinks the Lions should go after him. Here’s why:

5 Reasons the Lions Should Sign Trevon Diggs

1. They’re Desperate at Cornerback

• Their "CB1" is gone
• Their backup plan is an undersized rookie
• Beggars can’t be choosers — they need someone with NFL experience

2. He’s the Best Option Left on the Market

• Most top free agents are already signed
• Diggs is the most accomplished cornerback still available
• Even if he’s not at his peak, he’s better than crossing fingers with a rookie

3. It Won’t Cost Much

• Spotrac (a site that tracks NFL contracts) estimates his value at ~$7.5 million per year
• At this point in the offseason, he’d likely take a team-friendly deal
• Probably a non-guaranteed contract — meaning the Lions can cut him with zero risk

4. He Brings Veteran Leadership & Culture

• He’s been in the league a while
• Known as a vocal, competitive guy who pushes teammates
• Every young team needs "culture-setters" — players who raise the standard just by how they work

5. He Could Mentor the Rookie (Keith Abney II)

• Abney needs help finishing plays and forcing turnovers
• Diggs was a turnover machine in his prime (11 interceptions in 2021!)
• Even as a situational player (playing in specific packages), he adds value in the locker room

The "No-Brainer" Risk Assessment

Important Point: This is a low-risk, high-reward move. The Lions have literally nothing to lose.

But Wait — Should They Just Hand Him the Job?

Absolutely not.

• Diggs has had injury issues and subpar play recently
• He’s also clashed with coaches in the past
• If signed, he should compete with Abney for the starting spot
• May the best man win — that’s how you build a strong team

Summary: A Smart Gamble for a Team in Need

The Detroit Lions lost their planned starting cornerback. Their backup plan is a small rookie. The best available free agent is a former All-Pro who wants to prove he’s still got it.

Signing Trevon Diggs costs little, risks nothing, and could solve multiple problems:

• Immediate depth at cornerback
• Veteran leadership for a young defense
• Mentorship for their rookie
• Competition that makes everyone better

At this stage of the offseason, not making this call would be the bigger mistake.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Who is Trevon Diggs?

Trevon Diggs is a 26-year-old cornerback who played for the Dallas Cowboys. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 after catching 11 interceptions (tied for the most in a season since 1981!). He’s the younger brother of Buffalo Bills star receiver Stefon Diggs.

Why is he still a free agent?

He tore his ACL in 2023, struggled when he returned in 2024, and reportedly had some disagreements with coaches. Teams are waiting to see if he’s fully healthy and willing to accept a smaller role.

What’s a "non-guaranteed deal"?

It means the team owes him nothing if they cut him. No dead salary cap space. No long-term commitment. It’s basically a "tryout with a paycheck."

Would Diggs start over the rookie?

Not automatically. The article suggests he should compete with Keith Abney II. Competition makes both players better — and the best player should win the job.

Is $7.5 million a lot for a cornerback?

Not really. Top corners make $15–20M+ per year. $7.5M is a bargain-bin price for a former Pro Bowler — especially on a one-year, prove-it deal.

Go Lions!