By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions chose to stay put at the trade deadline, meaning their search for roster improvements has shifted to free agents and the waiver wire. One notable cornerback still available could soon be joining one of the Lions’ NFC North rivals.
According to Jordan Schultz of The Schultz Report, free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. has lined up visits with both the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. That is—unless his scheduled stop with the 5-4 Carolina Panthers on Wednesday leads to a contract offer first.
Samuel, the son of former All-Pro cornerback and New England Patriots legend Asante Samuel Sr., was medically cleared earlier this week after undergoing spinal fusion surgery back in April. Over four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, the younger Samuel started 47 games and picked off six passes, showing flashes of his father’s instincts and ball-hawking ability.
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Lions’ Secondary Trending Upward
While the Lions might still explore the idea of bringing Samuel in for a visit, they now have less urgency to make a move. Detroit’s self-nicknamed “Legion of Whom” recently stifled Baker Mayfield and the explosive Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense, proving their defensive backfield is improving. Although their follow-up performance against the Vikings wasn’t as dominant, the unit has earned growing trust from the coaching staff.
Rookie CB Terrion Arnold returned to action on Sunday and recorded his first career interception, immediately boosting the defense. His rapid development has been impressive. According to Al Karsten of Pride of Detroit, Arnold has allowed a 38.1 passer rating since Week 4, ranking second-best in the NFL during that stretch.
The Lions are also getting reinforcements. Safety Brian Branch came back from a one-game suspension following a post-game altercation after the Chiefs loss, while Kerby Joseph is recovering from a knee injury and could return soon. This Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders also marks the earliest return window for CB D.J. Reed, who’s been sidelined the past four games with a hamstring issue.
Despite their improving health, Detroit’s attention is turning toward the offensive line, where injuries—especially the season-ending loss of Christian Mahogany—have created depth concerns. On Wednesday alone, the team added three offensive linemen to the practice squad.
Lions fans will certainly watch where Samuel ends up and how he performs once he’s back on the field. In a tight NFC North race, late-season additions could determine who wins the division—or who misses the playoffs. For now, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes must make the right calls, even if that means watching Samuel join a rival.