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The Detroit Lions were on their way to a dominating defensive performance early against the New Orleans Saints. But things obviously fell apart late.
In the fourth quarter and overtime alone, the Saints registered 256 yards on offense. Of that total, 219 yards came through the air.
Detroit’s secondary was a question mark entering the regular season. But after Sunday’s performance with a big lead, the Lions might have to think seriously about a potential trade to shore up cornerback or safety.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler had a suggested trade for the Lions to make after Week 1 — Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
“The Lions were looking for corner help even before they released Terrion Arnold in June. Detroit can spend the early weeks of the season evaluating how D.J. Reed, Keith Abney II, Roger McCreary and others play together,” wrote Fowler.
“Detroit has ample salary cap space — around $38 million as of Sunday, according to OverTheCap.com — but has committed more than $1 billion in extensions for star players, which could lead to a cap crunch very soon. Detroit also could decide to pay 2027 free agents Sam LaPorta (tight end) and Brian Branch (safety).
“Detroit likes man-coverage corners, and Porter definitely qualifies.”
Could Lions Acquire Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr.?
Joey Porter Jr. Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyPittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. didn’t play Sunday in Week 1.
Pundits linked the Lions to Porter long before Sunday evening for the exact reasons Fowler mentioned.
Detroit’s starting cornerbacks and the team’s depth at the position are concerns. The Lions moved on from cornerback Terrion Arnold after his arrest. As a result, veteran Rock Ya-Sin started opposite D.J. Reed in Week 1.
Both of those starters played 89 defensive snaps. Detroit’s CB3, Roger McCreary, lined up for 39 defensive snaps.
Clearly, the Lions have a lot more trust in their two starting cornerbacks than their depth. Behind McCreary, rookie cornerback Keith Abney II played just 25 defensive snaps.
Acquiring Porter would give the Lions not only another starter but one who has Pro Bowl potential.
Last season, Porter posted 52 combined tackles and 14 pass defenses in 14 games. He also had one interception. Porter only has three picks in three seasons, but he’s a guy who can take away the opposition’s top receiver.
Lions Pass Defense After Nearly Blowing Week 1 Win
Dan Campbell Detroit Lions
GettyESPN’s Jeremy Fowler argued Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions are one of five teams who could acquire cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With how the Lions secondary finished Sunday’s game, calls for the team to make an addition at cornerback are likely only going to get louder.
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Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of other NFL teams. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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