The Detroit Lions’ 2024 campaign ended with a disappointing playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, leaving Dan Campbell & Co. searching for answers on how to improve as the offseason begins.
The cornerback room is one roster area that the Lions can’t afford to ignore in the coming months. Detroit’s secondary surrendered an abysmal average of 305.2 passing yards in the final five games between the regular season and playoffs, which includes giving up at least 323 on three occasions.
Assuming that improving the secondary is one of the Lions’ top offseason priorities, they can rest easy knowing that the perfect solution just became available.
Earlier this week, the Miami Dolphins announced the release of multiple players, including cornerback Kendall Fuller. It was a brief stay in South Beach for the former 2016 third-rounder, who had just joined the Dolphins on a two-year, $15 million contract last offseason.
After a career year with the Washington Commanders in 2023, Fuller took a step back amid an injury-plagued 2024 campaign. The former Virginia Tech defender’s 11 appearances were tied for the fewest of his nine-year career, resulting in 37 solo tackles, seven defended passes, and a fumble recovery.
It wasn’t the worst performance but it also didn’t match the offseason price tag he commanded. The writing on the wall only became clearer due to his Pro Football Coverage grade, which went from 82.8 in his last year with the Commanders to 62.4 in his first with the Dolphins.
While his Dolphins run didn’t go as intended, Fuller is still a name the Lions should keep an eye on in free agency. Carlton Davis, Emmanuel Moseley, and three other CBs will become free agents next month, meaning it’d be wise for Detroit to already start thinking about replacement options.
Even if last year’s performance left something to be desired, Fuller could turn his career around by joining a Super Bowl contender like the Lions. Campbell and his staff know how to get the most out of their players, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he could help the 30-year-old cornerback return to form
If they’re interested, the Lions can start negotiating with Fuller once the NFL’s free agent tampering period begins on Monday, March 10.
