Lions given shaky order to trade for struggling former first-round cornerback

The Detroit Lions have had a solid start to the season defensively. But some continue to see weaknesses that could pose big problems going forward

Detroit's remade secondary has played well thus far, even as they continue to jell. Through the first three weeks, the Lions are 14th in the league in pass defense (216.7 yards allowed per game) with three touchdowns allowed through the air.

That yardage number is apparently enough for at least one analyst to think an addition would be nice.

In assessing each team's needs heading into Week 4, Bleacher Report suggests the Lions strike an immediate trade for Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam.

"Cornerback has been an issue for the Lions dating back to last season, and it's still one of the team's biggest weaknesses. Meanwhile, B/R's Kristopher Knox listed Elam as a trade candidate in this week's NFL Trade Block Big Board column."

"The third-year pro may not be the proven commodity the organization is hoping for, but that's primarily because he's been stuck behind Christian Benford. The 2022 first-round pick has plenty of talent to potentially contribute right away and be part of the long-term solution at corner."

The 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by Buffalo, Elam has had a slow start to his career, with 56 tackles, two interceptions and four passes defended in two years. He was deterred by an ankle injury in 2023, but also fell out of favor with the Buffalo coaching staff. Elam does have a pair of postseason interceptions on his resume.

Certainly, the Lions could issue Elam a fresh start, but it's unclear if he would make enough of a difference to play immediately and tip the scales dramatically if he did. Coughing up assets for such a player may not be the best idea for Detroit.

Dan Campbell encouraged by defensive effort against Arizona Cardinals

Right now, the Lions might not be feeling any major urgency to make a trade because their secondary has played decent to start the year. Coming off a fantastic game in Arizona, Campbell was encouraged by what he saw on the field against a difficult foe.

"(The) defense really finished the game for us with that type of (strong) mentality. We won the run battle 188 to their 77. Only gave up 13 points defensively, 1-9 on third down. Two sudden change stops, only four explosive (plays). Kirby (Joseph) and Carlton Davis I thought played really, really well. (Aidan) Hutchinson, (DJ) Reader (played well). Reader is force in there. Hutchinson is relentless as we know and (Brian) Branch made a lot of plays there."

Three out of the five players Campbell highlighted while praising the defensive effort come from the secondary, which shows how the group has grown. During his Tuesday appearance on 97.1 The Ticket, Campbell more directly sang the secondary's praises.

Dan Campbell: "I love our secondary."

"CD is playing at a high level, Terrion Arnold gets better every week, Amik is an outstanding cover man and then our safeties are playing at a high level."

Listen here to the #Lions head coach: https://t.co/9kPdMT0FPp pic.twitter.com/e6lXEVFzzB

— 97.1 The Ticket: (@971theticketxyt) September 24, 2024