By Blessing 
Proposed Trade Sends Lions $26 Million CB to Replace Terrion Arnold
The Detroit Lions could soon be making a major move to stabilize their secondary following the devastating injury to rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold.
Over the past week, several analysts have connected Detroit to multiple veteran defenders on the trade market, and those rumors are only intensifying now that Arnold is expected to miss significant time.
Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the grim news while speaking to reporters on Monday.
> “Unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a while,” Campbell said. “He’s going to be out for a long time.”
Campbell also added that it’s possible Arnold might not return at all this season, which puts the Lions in a difficult position defensively. With several other injuries at cornerback, Detroit appears to be a strong candidate to pursue a trade before the NFL deadline.
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Trade Proposal: Lions Target Rasul Douglas
On Monday, A to Z Sports’ Mike Payton suggested that the Lions make a move for veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas, currently with the Miami Dolphins. Payton’s proposal involves Detroit sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to Miami in exchange for the seasoned defender.
“The Dolphins are a week or two away, and maybe a loss or two, from plummeting into full rebuild mode, and I doubt the veteran Douglas wants any part of that,” Payton wrote.
“What he might like is the chance to come back to the NFC North and beat up on his former team, the Green Bay Packers, a little bit. Douglas is still playing at a high level right now, and the Dolphins have a chance to get something out of this.”
Douglas, 30, has enjoyed an impressive NFL career. He began his journey by winning a Super Bowl as a rookie with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. After three seasons in Philadelphia and a stint with the Carolina Panthers in 2020, Douglas went on to play for the Packers, Buffalo Bills, and most recently, the Dolphins.
Throughout his nine-year career, Douglas has earned roughly $26.8 million, establishing himself as one of the more experienced corners in the league.
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Why Rasul Douglas Fits the Lions’ Needs
For Detroit, Douglas could be the perfect short-term solution. While he may not represent a long-term investment — he’s under contract only through 2025 — his experience and leadership could be exactly what the Lions need right now.
Two years ago, Detroit drafted Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw to anchor the cornerback position for years to come. But both have been limited by injuries, leaving the Lions short-handed. Adding Douglas would give the team a reliable starter for the remainder of the season while allowing Arnold and Rakestraw time to heal.
This year, Douglas has started in three of five games, recording 19 tackles and four pass defenses. Over his career, he’s appeared in 83 starts, including 15 games last season where he posted 58 tackles and five pass breakups for the Bills.
Given the Lions’ situation, a sixth-round pick is a small price to pay for a capable veteran starter — even for half a season.
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Could Terrion Arnold Return in 2025?
There’s still hope that Arnold will return next season, but Campbell’s comments suggest it’s far from guaranteed. That uncertainty makes the pursuit of a proven corner like Douglas even more logical.
If Arnold does return, Douglas could easily transition into a rotational or reserve role — something he’s done multiple times throughout his career. Although he’s logged 90% of Miami’s defensive snaps this season, Douglas has been flexible enough to come off the bench when needed.
At the moment, the Lions are leaning heavily on Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, and Avonte Maddox. Injuries have also sidelined D.J. Reed and Khalil Dorsey, thinning Detroit’s depth at the position.
Douglas would immediately bring experience and depth to a unit that’s been stretched thin.
Robertson, who started four games for Detroit last season, impressed in his most recent outing with six tackles, one pass defense, and an interception. Meanwhile, Ya-Sin and Maddox — both in their first seasons with Detroit — have combined for 15 tackles and two pass defenses so far in 2025.
Adding Douglas would not only strengthen the Lions’ defense but could also keep their playoff hopes alive as they navigate the second half of the season without one of their most promising young stars.