The Detroit Lions are strong contenders for a Super Bowl run this season, but even a team on the rise can benefit from strategic roster improvements.
In Bleacher Report’s November 18 feature on addressing roster weaknesses ahead of Week 12, writer Matt Holder makes a compelling case for the Lions to consider adding a seasoned player from the San Francisco 49ers—one who has appeared in two Super Bowls and secured a championship.
Lions Should Pursue the 49ers’ ‘High-Level Starter’
Holder argues that the Lions should prioritize signing cornerback Charvarius Ward from the San Francisco 49ers during the 2025 free agency period. In his analysis, he identifies cornerback as Detroit’s top roster need, followed by edge rusher, offensive line depth, wide receiver depth, and left guard.
“The Lions took several stabs at the cornerback position this past offseason, trading for Carlton Davis and using early draft picks on Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. However, secondary play has still been one of Detroit’s few weaknesses in 2024,” Holder writes. “Add in the fact that Davis will be a free agent in the spring, and the Lions absolutely should consider its cornerback options on the open market.”
Holder further notes, “Signing San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward would be a win for any team with Super Bowl aspirations. He’s a high-level starter on the perimeter and has a wealth of postseason experience, having appeared in Super Bowls for both the 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.”
In addition to Ward, Holder suggests the Lions target EDGE JT Tuimoloau from Ohio State in the 2025 NFL Draft, calling him “a terrific draft target for Detroit. He has the skills to bolster the pass rush while fitting right in with the Lions’ aggressive run defense.”
Detroit Lions Are Thriving
While offering suggestions for future roster moves, Holder also praises the Lions’ current success.
“Are the Detroit Lions the best team in the NFL right now? They just might be,” he states. “There’s still room for improvement on defense, but when the offense is playing as it did during Sunday’s 52-6 romp over the Jacksonville Jaguars, it doesn’t matter.”
Despite this, Holder emphasizes that the Lions don’t need to make drastic changes at the moment.
“Could we see the Lions scour the free-agent market and other practice squads for veteran depth ahead of the postseason? Sure, but there’s little reason for Detroit to make any significant moves right now,” he explains. “The Lions keep finding ways to win, even when they aren’t playing flawlessly, and they addressed their biggest need at the trade deadline.”
Holder also highlights the team’s long-term potential, noting that “with $62.1 million in projected 2025 cap space, the Lions have the financial flexibility to continue building a powerhouse in the offseason.”
For now, the Lions remain focused on their 2024 campaign while keeping an eye on opportunities to strengthen their roster in the future.
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