By Sunday 
It was supposed to be Detroit’s moment to shore up a shaky secondary — but the Rams beat the Lions to the punch, snapping up cornerback Roger McCreary from the Tennessee Titans just ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline. For a Lions team riding high at 5-2 coming out of the bye, this feels like a missed opportunity that could haunt them down the stretch.
A Secondary Still Searching for Answers
Detroit’s cornerback situation is far from stable. With starters DJ Reed and Terrion Arnold sidelined by injuries and Rock Ya-Sin nursing cramps, the Lions are left relying on depth players like Arthur Maulet and Nick Whiteside, who have minimal snaps this season. McCreary may not have been a perfect defender — allowing 24 catches and two touchdowns on 28 targets — but his presence would have added much-needed reliability to a unit in crisis.
Rams Outmaneuver Detroit
The trade itself sees the Rams sending a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Titans in exchange for McCreary and a 2026 sixth-rounder. For Los Angeles, this move adds depth to their defense without breaking the bank. For Detroit, it’s a reminder that timing and decisiveness are crucial in a tight NFC North race.
What’s Next for Brad Holmes and the Lions?
General manager Brad Holmes now faces a challenge: find another trade target before the deadline closes. One year after a 15-win season was derailed by injuries, Detroit cannot afford to let another opportunity slip through their fingers. The Lions’ playoff hopes may depend on who they can bring in next — and fast.