By Moses Joshua 
As the trade deadline looms, the Detroit Lions watch a key target slip away — forcing Brad Holmes to explore other defensive reinforcements before it’s too late.
Rams Beat Lions to the Punch in Pursuit of Secondary Help
Coming out of their Week 8 bye, the Detroit Lions find themselves in a strong position at 5-2, but their pursuit of the Green Bay Packers for NFC North supremacy just got a little more complicated. While Detroit’s front office weighed its options to bolster a banged-up secondary, another NFC contender struck first.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Rams finalized a trade with the Tennessee Titans for cornerback Roger McCreary, sending a 2026 fifth-round pick in exchange for McCreary and a 2026 sixth-rounder. It’s a low-risk move that gives Los Angeles some much-needed defensive depth — and one the Lions were well-positioned to make.
While McCreary hasn’t had a standout campaign — allowing 24 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns on 28 targets, per Pro Football Focus — his experience and cost made him an ideal fit for Detroit’s needs. The Rams, meanwhile, add a steady presence alongside Cobie Durant, Darious Williams, and Quentin Lake, all while maintaining flexibility for the future.
Lions’ Cornerback Depth Facing a Breaking Point
For the Lions, the timing couldn’t be worse. Detroit’s secondary has been decimated by injuries in recent weeks. DJ Reed and Terrion Arnold remain sidelined, and although Rock Ya-Sin’s exit in Week 7 against the Buccaneers was later revealed to be cramps, his brief absence exposed just how thin the rotation has become.
Behind the starters, Arthur Maulet, who was on the practice squad just weeks ago, and Nick Whiteside, who’s played only 40 defensive snaps this season, are the next men up. For a team with championship ambitions, that kind of depth is unsustainable.
The front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes, now faces pressure to act before the November 4 trade deadline. McCreary’s acquisition by a conference rival underscores the urgency — Detroit can’t afford to watch another potential upgrade slip through their grasp.
Brad Holmes’ Next Move Could Define the Lions’ Season
Last year, Detroit’s promising campaign unraveled under the weight of mounting injuries. Now, history threatens to repeat itself if Holmes doesn’t find a solution at cornerback. Several names remain on the radar — including Alontae Taylor of the Saints and Roger McCreary’s former teammate, Kristian Fulton, who could be available if Tennessee continues reshaping its roster.
The Lions’ defensive resurgence under Dan Campbell has transformed them into legitimate Super Bowl contenders, but even elite coaching and a fiery locker room can’t compensate for a depleted secondary.
If Detroit wants to keep pace with the surging Packers — and secure home-field advantage come January — Holmes may have no choice but to pull the trigger on a bold move before the window closes.
Bottom Line:
The Lions missed out on a low-cost, high-upside opportunity in Roger McCreary — a mistake they can’t afford to repeat. With the NFC playoff race tightening and their cornerback room thinning, Detroit’s next call could determine whether their Super Bowl hopes stay alive or begin to fade.