The Detroit Lions' depth chart has gotten pretty crowded at cornerback this offseason.
They entered the offseason with Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Ennis Rakestraw all expected to be a part of the rotation at corner in 2025.
Then they kicked off free agency by signing D.J. Reed to replace Carlton Davis, who left after spending 2024 as the team's top corner.
Since signing Reed, the Lions have also added Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox at the position.
The offseason additions and expected development of Arnold and Rakestraw have led to some questions about where Robertson fits on this team.
That could make him tradable for the Lions and Panthers Wire's Anthony Rizzuti believes he could have an interested suitor if the Lions decide to trade him.
In a recent article, Rizzuti named Robertson a potential trade target for the Carolina Panthers.
Robertson was a solid rotational piece for the Lions in 2024.
While playing 57% of snaps, Robertson allowed a completion percentage of 61.4% and just 7.2 yards per attempt when opposing quarterbacks threw in his direction. He also defended eight passes.
Robertson didn't just contribute in coverage. He was able to produce 50 tackles, with four for a loss, and forced three fumbles.
However, he could have a tough time making the same impact in 2025. The Lions have said they want Rakestraw to focus on playing outside while Maddox is experienced in the slot.
That might not leave too many snaps for Robertson and he carries a $6.4 million cap hit for the 2025 season according to Spotrac. Trading him would save $4.2 million of cap space for the Lions.
Trading Robertson likely isn't high on the list of priorities for the Lions right now, but if Rakestraw and Maddox are able to push him down the depth chart, the cap savings and potential to add a bit of draft capital would become a lot more appealing to the Lions.
Lions Named Best Fit for $21 Million Former All-Pro Who They Should Have Already Signed
At this point in the 2025 NFL offseason, it is no secret what the biggest need is for the Detroit Lions.
They entered the offseason needing somebody they could start at their second defensive end spot to upgrade their pass rush.
Months later, they haven't done anything about it through either free agency or the draft.
Luckily, there is still an option out there who seems like a good mach for the Lions.
ESPN's Matt Bowen named the Lions as the best fit for edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, who spent the second half of last season in Detroit.
I'm sure you're all sick of me talking about Smith by now.
I've been harping on the idea that the Lions need to bring him back for a while now.
It also seems that this isn't all that rare of an opinion.
The big roadblock so far for the team has been money.
GM Brad Holmes has previously said that the team can't afford Smith.
Smith also made a joke about Kash Doll needing to pay half of his salary for him to return.
At some point, the money should stop being an issue for both sides.
The Lions still have $42.2 million in cap space according to Over the Cap and nothing they need to spend it on aside from an edge rusher.
They're likely looking to use as much of that as they can to roll over to next season and help pay for the expensive contracts that are piling up on their roster, but winning right now should be more important.
They should also still have plenty left to roll over even if they spent on Smith.
Smith has been a free agent for almost two months and there have yet to be any firm links to another team.
At some point, his asking price has to come down.
This situation seems so simple.
The Lions need somebody better to start in their second edge spot.
Smith would be a big upgrade over Marcus Davenport and needs a team.
The Lions should just make it happen so they can move on from this edge situation and head into the season knowing they've done everything they could to build a winning roster for the 2025 season.
