By Moses Joshua 
With injuries piling up in the secondary, Detroit may find its missing defensive piece in a rejuvenated Asante Samuel Jr.
The Detroit Lions have defied expectations on defense this season. Despite a battered roster—particularly in the secondary—defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has kept his unit among the NFL’s most efficient. Detroit ranks 13th in points allowed and eighth in total yards allowed through nine weeks, a testament to disciplined play and sharp scheming.
But even strong coaching can’t mask the reality: the Lions are dangerously thin at cornerback.
Detroit’s Cornerback Depth Stretched to the Limit
Injuries have ravaged what was once a promising rotation. DJ Reed, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and Khalil Dorsey remain sidelined on injured reserve, while rookie standout Terrion Arnold has been battling through a lingering shoulder issue. Though Arnold returned against Minnesota and snagged his first career interception, he struggled elsewhere, missing multiple tackles and posting one of the lowest defensive grades on the roster, according to Pro Football Focus.
Arnold’s partner on the outside, Amik Robertson, hasn’t fared much better—allowing four touchdowns and a 117.2 passer rating in coverage. The pair’s inconsistency has left Detroit’s pass defense vulnerable and overworked, putting added pressure on the front seven to generate stops.
That’s why the timing of a recent development could be crucial for the Lions’ playoff hopes.
Asante Samuel Jr. Cleared and Ready for Return
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. has been fully cleared to resume football activities after undergoing a spinal fusion procedure last year. Samuel, who appeared in only four games during the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, missed time due to persistent stinger symptoms but now appears to be back to full health.
While Samuel’s NFL career has been inconsistent, his upside is undeniable. The 24-year-old brings elite speed, fluid hips, and sharp instincts in coverage—traits Detroit’s secondary sorely lacks right now. His physical limitations have kept him confined to an outside role, but his ball skills and awareness could immediately raise the Lions’ defensive ceiling.
As one scout put it, “He’s not going to outmuscle receivers, but if you give him a clean scheme and let him play the ball, he’ll make plays.”
Why the Lions Can’t Afford to Hesitate
Detroit’s defensive identity this season has centered on physicality and discipline—qualities head coach Dan Campbell demands. Yet, the secondary’s fragility threatens to derail that balance. Adding Samuel would be a low-risk, high-reward move: a chance to inject talent without sacrificing draft capital or cap flexibility.
With Terrion Arnold battling through injury and Amik Robertson struggling to hold up outside, Samuel could quickly emerge as the team’s best available cornerback. His addition wouldn’t just patch a weakness; it could help stabilize a defense that has fought admirably to stay afloat amid adversity.
If Detroit truly hopes to contend down the stretch, now is the moment to act. Signing Asante Samuel Jr. wouldn’t just be about filling a roster spot—it would be about reaffirming the Lions’ commitment to winning when it matters most.