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When Dianna Russini drops a trade nugget, the NFL listens. And her latest report for The Athletic has sent a ripple through the league — especially among teams desperate for help in the secondary. According to Russini, the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and Indianapolis Colts are all “making calls for a corner.”
Looks like we’ve got ourselves a shopping spree — and everyone’s reaching for the same cart.
A Crowded Corner Market
The trade deadline hits on Tuesday, November 4, and these four teams appear to be circling the same position group like shoppers fighting over the last TV on Black Friday.
For the Ravens and Colts, the need is obvious — both rank near the bottom of the NFL in pass defense (28th and 29th heading into Week 8). Injuries have decimated Baltimore’s secondary, and the situation hasn’t been helped by inconsistent play from Jaire Alexander. In Indy, Xavien Howard’s sudden retirement left the cornerbacks room thinner than expected — though, let’s be honest, his recent performances weren’t doing them many favors anyway.
Lions and Rams Join the Chase
While the Lions and Rams haven’t been torched quite as badly, both are battling injuries that could derail their solid starts. Detroit’s secondary is bruised up, with Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed nursing injuries, and even the backups aren’t at full health. Over in L.A., Ahkello Witherspoon’s broken clavicle leaves a gaping hole on the outside — one the Rams can’t afford if they want to stay competitive in the NFC race.
Same Need, Different Stakes
Here’s where things get interesting: not all four teams are on equal footing. The Lions, Rams, and Colts have legitimate playoff hopes, which makes their urgency understandable. The Ravens, meanwhile, are on the edge — but a few wins could quickly change their outlook before the deadline.
In other words, this isn’t just a rumor mill spin — it’s a race. The question is, who will find their guy first?
If the cornerback market heats up the way Russini suggests, the coming days could bring some real fireworks.