The Detroit Lions had a clear plan at cornerback heading into the offseason. That plan is now in shreds.
Terrion Arnold, the team’s first-round pick from 2024, was released Monday after being arrested on robbery and kidnapping charges earlier this month. The legal situation is serious — we’re talking potential life in prison territory — and football is suddenly the furthest thing from Arnold’s mind. The Lions, meanwhile, have a gaping hole in their secondary with training camp set to open July 25.
So what do they do now?
General manager Brad Holmes has a few paths in front of him. None of them are perfect, but the Lions don’t exactly have the luxury of time.
Veteran free agents worth a look
The cleanest fix is probably the free agent market. There are still some recognizable names floating around out there, and a minimum salary deal doesn’t cost much if it doesn’t work out.
Trevon Diggs is the most interesting name on the board. He was a two-time Pro Bowler in Dallas before injuries and a dip in form caught up with him. He bounced to Green Bay for a few games in 2025 and didn’t do much, but he’s reportedly healthy now. If there’s a version of Diggs still in there that resembles the ballhawk from a few years ago, Detroit could get a steal. Big if, though.
Rasul Douglas is another option. He’s been good with the Packers and Bills over nine seasons. Last year he was stuck in Miami on a bad team, so his numbers don’t tell the whole story. Either guy is worth bringing in for a look during camp workouts.
Trade talks with the Giants
The Lions could also pick up the phone and call New York. The Giants have two outside corners who might fit what Detroit wants to do.
Paulson Adebo started his career in New Orleans under a defensive scheme that shares some DNA with what Detroit runs. He’s also from Farmington, Michigan, which is basically right down the road. Nice hometown story, but his contract is less charming — two years left with cap hits north of $20 million per season. That could complicate extension talks for guys like Jahmyr Gibbs or Sam LaPorta down the road.
Deonte Banks is cheaper but riskier. He flashed as a rookie and then regressed hard. If the Lions think they can coach him back up, maybe he’s worth a late-round pick. But the Giants aren’t going to give him away for nothing just because he struggled last year.
Holmes has taken some criticism for burning too many mid-round picks on trade-ups in recent drafts. There’s an argument he’d be better off using those picks on a known commodity here instead of another developmental flier. But trades take two willing parties, and the Giants might sense Detroit is desperate.
The in-house options
Before the Lions go shopping, they’ll probably take a hard look at who’s already in the building.
Rock Ya-Sin has the inside track. He’s been around, he started down the stretch for Detroit in 2025 and put up 47 tackles with nine passes defensed. He’s not elite, but if DJ Reed is drawing the No. 1 receiver every week, Ya-Sin can hold up on the other side.
Rookie Keith Abney II, taken in the fifth round of the 2026 draft, fits the scheme well but is undersized for outside work. The Lions could slide him into the slot and move someone like Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Roger McCreary, or Christian Izien outside. It’s not ideal, but it’s an option.
Given how Detroit has operated in recent years, they’ll likely let the competition play out in camp first. If nobody steps up, that’s when you’ll see them start making calls.
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