The Detroit Lions are actively exploring the trade market for cornerback help as safety Brian Branch nears a return from an Achilles tear, creating a potential opening to upgrade the secondary before the deadline. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has made it clear that the unit must produce tangible results immediately, dismissing any further talk of potential fixes without game-day evidence.
Trade Buzz Shifts to Chiefs and Eagles Options
With the pursuit of Joey Porter Jr. concluded, speculation has turned toward Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kristian Fulton. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN identified Fulton as a viable target, noting the Chiefs could split his $9.75 million base salary to facilitate a deal. Mike Payton of A to Z Sports called Fulton the most realistic option, suggesting a fifth- or sixth-round pick could secure the 28-year-old who is in the final year of a two-year, $20 million contract.
Attention also has turned to Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen, though Payton cautioned that the price might be steep. A third- or fourth-round pick could be the cost to acquire the 27-year-old, who is in the final year of a one-year, $12 million deal fully guaranteed, with the Eagles retaining the signing bonus cost, leaving the trading team to cover the remaining $6 million base salary.
Branch Looks Ready Despite Medical Caution
The most significant development for the Lions secondary is the rapid recovery of safety Brian Branch. Kelvin Sheppard told reporters Thursday that Branch looked as if he had never missed time after just one practice session. “If we were playing tonight, it would be realistic,” Sheppard said, though he emphasized the medical staff would dictate the final snap count. Branch himself noted that catching his wind and getting comfortable with contact are the only remaining hurdles.
While Branch practices, other injury concerns remain for Sunday’s game against Arizona. Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams returned to limited practice after missing Wednesday, while cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and offensive lineman Ben Bartch did not practice again. The Lions remain thin at those positions heading into the weekend.
Sheppard Demands Proof over Promises
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard addressed the growing criticism of the unit’s performance, stating that lip service is no longer an option. Sheppard told the media that the defensive line is playing at a high level, but the back seven must stop making mental errors. “Until it starts to show on Sunday, until the evidence starts to show up at the game, it’s lip service,” Sheppard said. He insisted the scheme remains sound, warning that constantly changing playbooks would lead to dysfunction.
The defensive line continues to generate pressure despite the secondary’s struggles. Aidan Hutchinson leads the NFL with a 27.1 percent pass rush win rate and a 91.9 PFF grade. Hutchinson has recorded 3.5 sacks and 13 tackles through four games, but the unit as a whole has allowed 127 points, ranking dead last in the league. Alim McNeill echoed the need for unity, telling Brad Galli that the defense has the answers but must execute together to fix the issues.
This article was created by aggregating Detroit Lions news using Artificial Intelligence.
