Detroit Lions Interested In Free Agent CB, Brandon Flowers
November 17, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) defends during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions are reportedly interested in free agent cornerback, Brandon Flowers.
Last week the Lions cut CB Chris Houston to make room to sign first round pick Eric Ebron. Most experts had Houston slated to be a starting corner for this years team.
On the same day Houston was cut the Kansas City Chiefs cut Flowers, a seventh year corner out of Virginia Tech, and a pro-bowler in 2013.
Flowers is considered to be a “massive upgrade” over Houston by NFL.com’s Greg Rosenthal, who ranks Detroit forth on a list of seven teams considered to be likely destinations for Flowers to land.
Furthermore, speculation has recently spiked considering the Lions overall level of overall interest in Flowers.
The Lions are seriously considering making a run at free agent corner Brandon Flowers
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) June 16, 2014
Ten NFL teams, including Ravens, Vikings, Falcons, Lions, reached out to Brandon Flowers so far. In preliminary stage, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 16, 2014
Despite his Pro Bowl effort last year, Flowers was given a -5.9 grade by Pro Football Focus (87th among cornerbacks). However, the 28-year-old cornerback has played at a pretty high level over the years, especially in coverage.
Even after a poor 2013, Brandon Flowers' +35.5 @PFF coverage grade in the last 5 seasons is the 5th-highest of any CB.
— Pete Damilatis (@PeteDamilatis) June 13, 2014
Brandon Flowers posted a -9.8 @PFF coverage grade in 2013, but had a Top 10 CB coverage grade each of the previous 4 seasons.
— Pete Damilatis (@PeteDamilatis) June 13, 2014
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The Lions had an obvious need for help in the defensive backfield before the termination of Houston’s contract. As it stands right now, Darius Slay is considered the No. 1 corner on the roster. Whether or not Slay is ready to cover No. 1 receivers regularly, (especially in the NFC North) has been a debate all week in Detroit. Flowers would be a welcomed addition despite the concerns of his “fit” and small size at 5’9″. The Lions limited salary cap space is also an issue. To see if anything materializes past preliminary discusions we will have to stay tuned.