By Moses Joshua 
With Detroit’s cornerback room banged up and rivals circling a talented free agent, the Lions may be missing a golden opportunity to strengthen their defense for a postseason run.
Detroit’s Secondary Takes Another Hit
The Detroit Lions have weathered their fair share of defensive adversity in recent seasons, but 2025 is proving no exception. Promising rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold is the latest setback, entering concussion protocol with no clear timetable for return. While the team has managed to maintain control of the NFC North despite its defensive struggles, Arnold’s absence once again exposes a lack of depth in Detroit’s secondary.
Adding to the concern, safeties Daniel Thomas and Kerby Joseph also appeared on this week’s injury report, leaving head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn with difficult roster decisions ahead of their pivotal Week 11 matchup.
On paper, the situation practically screams for an outside addition — and one name stands out as a perfect fit.
Asante Samuel Jr. Could Be the Answer
According to Mike Payton of A to Z Sports, the Lions have shown no known interest in Asante Samuel Jr., a move that’s surprising given the team’s circumstances. The former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback remains one of the top free agents available and has been drawing attention from NFC North rivals like the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.
Samuel, still just 25, proved to be an essential part of the Chargers’ secondary before injuries derailed his season and delayed his free agency. Now healthy and searching for the right opportunity, Samuel represents exactly the type of midseason addition that could elevate Detroit’s defense.
Bringing him in would not only address the Lions’ current depth issues but also prevent a potential late-season advantage for a division rival. Simply put, allowing Samuel to land elsewhere would be a strategic misstep.
A Risk-Free Opportunity the Lions Shouldn’t Ignore
Signing Samuel would come at little cost but with considerable upside. For the player, joining Detroit offers a chance to contribute to a contender and rebuild his value before 2026 free agency. For the Lions, it’s a low-risk, high-reward investment — the kind of aggressive move teams make when they’re serious about a championship push.
Arnold’s recurring injuries, combined with the secondary’s instability, make inaction hard to justify. Detroit’s front office has earned praise for its patience and discipline, but in this case, waiting too long could mean missing out on a player who could help shape their postseason fate.
As Campbell often preaches, the Lions’ identity is built on resilience and relentless improvement. But with the secondary thinning and division rivals circling talent, now might be the time for Detroit to act on those words — before their caution turns into a costly mistake.