By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions have battled their way to a 4-2 start, fueled by grit, balance, and an offense that can hang with anyone in the NFC. Still, for all their progress, one position group continues to cause concern — the cornerback unit.
With D.J. Reed and rookie Terrion Arnold both nursing injuries and the depth behind them struggling for consistency, general manager Brad Holmes may once again look for a spark before the November 4 trade deadline.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Lions are one of several contenders keeping an eye on the cornerback market. And there are three intriguing names that could make a difference in Detroit’s playoff push.
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1. Tariq Woolen — Seattle Seahawks
Just a year ago, Tariq Woolen looked like one of the NFL’s brightest young defensive stars. But his 2025 campaign hasn’t lived up to expectations. His 41.1 PFF coverage grade ranks near the bottom of the league, and he’s giving up 14.1 yards per reception while missing tackles on nearly one in four attempts (23.8%).
So why would Detroit take a chance? One word: upside.
At 6-foot-4 with elite speed, Woolen possesses physical tools that simply can’t be coached. And under defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, the Lions have developed a reputation for turning raw potential into production.
With Detroit’s defensive front ranked ninth in total defense and fifth in takeaways, Woolen wouldn’t need to shoulder the load alone — just do his job within a strong supporting cast.
The Seahawks, also sitting at 4-2 and relatively deep at corner, might be open to moving Woolen for a mid-round pick. For Holmes, that would fit his pattern of smart, calculated risks.
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2. Rasul Douglas — Miami Dolphins
If reliability is the goal, Rasul Douglas should be near the top of Detroit’s wishlist. The veteran cornerback has been one of the few consistent bright spots in a rough 1-5 start for Miami. His 77.9 coverage grade and three pass breakups in 161 snaps show that his form from Green Bay hasn’t faded.
Lions fans know Douglas well — he tormented the NFC North for years as a Packer, thriving in physical, press-heavy coverage. That familiarity would make for an easy transition into Detroit’s scheme.
Douglas isn’t a long-term fix, but he’s a battle-tested veteran who could instantly steady a shaky secondary. And given Miami’s current direction and locker room turbulence, Douglas could be attainable for a mid-round pick.
For a team with Super Bowl ambitions, he’s the kind of addition that can stabilize a playoff run.
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3. Alontae Taylor — New Orleans Saints
While he doesn’t always make headlines, Alontae Taylor might be one of the NFL’s most underrated young corners. Despite the Saints’ uneven start, Taylor has quietly put together his best season yet, earning a 69.5 coverage grade and showing steady growth in multiple roles.
What makes Taylor particularly appealing for Detroit is his positional versatility — he’s proven capable of playing both outside and inside. That flexibility fits perfectly with a Lions defense that constantly adjusts personnel to exploit matchups.
New Orleans has never shied away from reshaping its secondary — just ask Marshon Lattimore or Paulson Adebo — so it’s not out of the question that Taylor could be available. At 25 and entering his prime, he could be the kind of long-term piece Holmes prefers.
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The Bottom Line
Detroit’s defense has been tough and opportunistic, ranking in the top 10 in total defense and fifth in takeaways. But depth concerns at cornerback can’t be ignored — especially with key players battling injuries.
Whether it’s Woolen’s upside, Douglas’ stability, or Taylor’s versatility, each player offers something that could push this Lions defense from good to great.
Brad Holmes has never been afraid to pull the trigger when the moment’s right. And with the playoffs in sight, don’t be surprised if one of these names ends up in Honolulu Blue before the deadline passes.