The Detroit Lions hope the cornerback position can stay healthy next season after a rough year battling injuries. Four of their top seven corners, Carlton Davis III, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Khalil Dorsey, and Emmanuel Moseley, missed at least three games during the 2024 season. Of the four listed, Davis signed with the New England Patriots, while Moseley remains unsigned.
Detroit Lions add Super Bowl Champion to assist secondary in 2025
Philadelphia Eagles, Avonte Maddox
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) reacts after a defensive stop against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
According to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Lions signed Avonte Maddox to a one-year contract.
DB Avonte Maddox signed a one-year contract with the Lions, per his agent Jason Chayut.
Maddox leaves the #Eagles after seven seasons.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 21, 2025
Maddox enters the eighth year of his NFL career after spending the first seven with the Philadelphia Eagles and winning a Super Bowl during the 2023-24 season. He has recorded 270 tackles, 13 TFLs, four interceptions, 36 pass deflections, and eight forced fumbles in 81 regular season games, along with 40 tackles, two TFLs, and five pass deflections in 11 postseason games.
The 28-year-old defensive back can play in the slot and line up at safety. Maddox may replace Ifeatu Melifonwu, who signed with the Miami Dolphins, as the Lions’ third safety in nickel and dime packages.
The newcomer had a subpar role in 2024
Philadelphia Eagles, Avonte Maddox
Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) avoids the tackle of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Avonte Maddox had an uneventful 2024 campaign, beginning the year as the starting slot cornerback but losing the role to Cooper DeJean in Week 5. Maddox recorded 20 tackles and five pass deflections, allowing 15 receptions on 28 targets for 126 yards, one touchdown, and a 77.4 passer rating in 17 games and three starts, representing a career-low 33% of snaps. He spent the rest of the year as a backup safety.
Here’s a look at the Detroit Lions’ current cornerback depth
D.J. Reed
Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; New York Jets Defensive Back D.J. Reed (4) complains about a foul in the 2nd Quarter against Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images
D.J. Reed
Terrion Arnold
Amik Robertson
Avonte Maddox
Rock Ya-Sin
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Khalil Dorsey
Stanley Thomas-Oliver
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