By Adeniyi Precious 
The Detroit Lions might have drafted two cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft—Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw—but there are still some gaps in their secondary that need to be filled. With key players like starter Carlton Davis and backups Kindle Vildor and Khalil Dorsey hitting free agency, the Lions will rely on young players like Arnold, Rakestraw, breakout star Amik Robertson, and a couple of practice squad guys, Morice Norris and Stantley Thomas-Oliver, to step up.
Arnold is expected to start, but the rest of the group is uncertain. Robertson is solid, with the ability to play both outside and in the slot, which leaves room for the Lions to bring in a veteran cornerback to fill in the gaps and make sure everyone is in the best position to succeed. Rakestraw could eventually start, but his rookie year was mostly a wash due to injuries, so his readiness is still a question mark.
With that in mind, the Lions should target experienced cornerbacks in free agency. Here are a few options:
1. D.J. Reed (Jets)
Reed is a versatile corner who’s played nickel but is most effective as an outside corner. At 28, he’s still got plenty of football ahead of him and has leadership experience after playing with Sauce Gardner in New York. He’d fit well opposite Arnold, with Robertson possibly moving to the slot. Reed is projected to make around $15 million a year, so the Lions will need to be ready to spend big if they want him.
2. Mike Hilton (Bengals)
Hilton is a tough, versatile corner who thrives in the slot but can also play outside and even safety. He’s a solid run defender and a strong tackler, which makes him valuable in Detroit’s multiple defensive schemes. At 31, he’s a bit older, and his value is expected to rise to $12 million per year, but if the Lions want a veteran presence in the slot, Hilton would be a great pick.
3. Eric Stokes (Packers)
Stokes is a former first-round pick with elite speed but has struggled with consistency and injuries. After the Packers declined his fifth-year option, Stokes is set to hit free agency. He’s still young (26) and could be a solid depth option for the Lions, especially with his potential to develop into a starter. He could come at a more affordable price ($2-3 million per year) for a short-term deal, making him an intriguing option for Detroit.
With all of these options, the Lions have a chance to bolster their cornerback room, whether they want a proven starter or a younger player with upside.