The Detroit Lions will have some needs to address on the defensive side of the ball during the 2026 offseason.
Two of those needs come at edge rusher and cornerback. The Lions need more juice along the edge and cornerback has been plagued by injury in recent years, and Amik Robertson is slated to be a free agent.
With the team in win-now mode, the Lions will likely turn to free agency, where they could look to sign cut candidates from three of their division rivals.
In the opinion of AtoZ Sports’ Mike Payton, the Lions should have their eye on Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary, Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson and Minnesota Vikings safety Isaiah Rodgers, all of whom he pegs as potential cut candidates.
Gary is widely considered a cut candidate after a disappointing season that saw him tally 7.5 sacks, none of which came after Week 8. With Gary set to account for a cap hit of $28 million, it’s possible Green Bay cuts ties.
Johnson was one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL upon signing his four-year deal with the Bears, but his 2025 season was marred by injury and he hasn’t been particularly effective when on the field the past two seasons.
Rodgers started in 15 games for the Vikings last season and played pretty well, with the veteran posting a coverage grade of 74.1, ranking 20th among cornerbacks, per Pro Football Focus. We tend to believe the Vikings will hold on to him for another season, but never say never.
Chances are the Lions aren’t going to make a big, expensive splash at either spot, and especially at edge rusher.
After all, general manager Brad Holmes said he isn’t going to change his approach along the edge, an approach that didn’t include making a big move in 2025.
As for cornerback, the Lions really just need an insurance policy for Terrion Arnold and someone who can play in the slot, assuming they don’t bring Robertson back.
Johnson and Rodgers are primarily outside corners, but both have at least a little experience playing in the slot. Gary would be a fine solution for the Lions’ need opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
But, again, the Lions’ interest in all three will likely be dictated by price. One would assume all three players will come relatively cheap if they’re cut, but that may not be the case because of their statuses as starting-caliber players.
Gary is the least likely to come at a reasonable price. Granted, his stock is no doubt down, but he’s still a talented edge rusher with a history of production and that is always going to garner significant money.
Could we see any of these three landing in Detroit if they are cut loose by their respective teams? Sure, but the price will have to be right for that to happen.
