The Detroit Lions may be looking to strengthen their cornerback depth this offseason, especially with the potential departure of Carlton Davis in free agency. Davis, who started 13 games for Detroit in 2024, suffered a fractured jaw during the Lions’ Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, leaving his future with the team uncertain.
Rookie Terrion Arnold proved to be a key piece of the defense, starting 15 games in his first NFL season. The No. 24 overall pick in the 2024 draft recorded 10 pass breakups while allowing a 61.2% completion rate on 98 targets, solidifying his role as a foundational player in the secondary.
If Davis signs elsewhere, Detroit will need another starting boundary corner to pair with Arnold. CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani predicts that general manager Brad Holmes could turn to New Orleans Saints defensive back Paulson Adebo to fill that role.
“Here’s maybe a forgotten free agent that could be the gem of the class,” Dajani wrote. “Paulson Adebo suffered a broken femur in Week 7, but was having a career year before being injured. The Lions need to upgrade the secondary, and Adebo would do just that.”
Adebo’s 2024 campaign was cut short due to the injury, limiting him to seven games, but he was on track for a Pro Bowl-caliber season before going down. The 25-year-old recorded three interceptions and 10 pass breakups while allowing just a 59.6% completion rate on 57 targets. Opposing quarterbacks posted a mere 67.0 passer rating when targeting him.
His 2023 season was equally impressive, as he started 15 games, intercepted four passes, and held quarterbacks to a 56.8% completion rate and a 69.9 passer rating when targeted.
Contract projections for Adebo vary, with Spotrac estimating a two-year, $22 million deal, while Pro Football Focus projects a three-year, $40 million contract with $25 million guaranteed.
With Over the Cap listing Detroit’s estimated cap space at $46 million, the Lions have the financial flexibility to sign Adebo while also addressing other roster needs.
Despite his recent injury, Adebo remains a young and ascending talent. If Davis departs, Holmes should strongly consider making Adebo the Lions’ next CB2 to solidify their secondary.
