Even though the Detroit Lions are in the midst of a playoff race entering December, it's never too early to think about the upcoming offseason and where they need to improve. The Lions will enter the offseason, whenever that may be, with a projected 21 unrestricted free agents, two restricted free agents, and one exclusive rights free agent, according to Spotrac.
Veteran cornerback Amik Robertson is among the pending UFAs who will either look to go elsewhere for 2026 or possibly try to re-sign to stay in the Motor City. Heading into this season, you would’ve thought that Robertson would be a shoo-in to stick around in Detroit with how he played last year.
However, things have not gone to plan for the veteran cornerback to the point where fans are becoming visibly frustrated with his performance lately. In fact, one has to wonder if Robertson will have to take a discount in the offseason to stick around because it's doubtful he’ll get a contract to what he got in 2024 (two-year, $9.5 million).
Amik Robertson’s Future with Lions Unclear Heading into Final Stretch
As we know, the Lions have asked Robertson to play on the outside a lot because of various injuries to Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed. However, as we’ve found out, especially over these last few weeks, it’s clear that Robertson has limitations on the outside and would be suited in the slot.
Through 12 games this season, opponents are only completing 63.8% of their passes against the 27-year-old cornerback, which is in line with what we saw last season (61.4%). Having said that, he's already given up five touchdowns while allowing 13.1 yards per catch, which are up from last year's numbers of two and 12.8, respectively. His 52.7 Pro Football Focus coverage grade is also a huge drop-off from last year (60.7), which was already a decline from the season before that (65.8).
Robertson's frustrating play was in the spotlight during Thanksgiving. In the Lions’ Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers, QB Jordan Love went after Robertson, who gave up 102 yards on six receptions (10 targets) and a touchdown.
While the Lions appreciate Robertson being a competitor on the boundary at 5-foot-9, he has limitations, and teams have been taking advantage of that. We saw this against the New York Giants, as wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson had a field day vs. Robertson, who gave up eight catches on 12 targets for 99 yards. Clearly, opposing quarterbacks know it's a good idea to send passes his way.
In an ideal world, the Lions would love to have a healthy Arnold, Reed, and Robertson all on the field together this season and next season. But that hasn’t been the case, and most likely won’t happen in 2026. The Lions will hopefully have a healthy Arnold back in the fold, along with former second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who has battled injuries to start his career. If you have those two guys plus Reed, it's hard to see where Robertson fits in.
Now, if Robertson takes a cheaper one-year deal for $3 or $4 million, which is slightly under his base salary for this season ($4.2 million), Detroit might be interested in bringing him back. The Lions have found out over these last two years that you can never have too much depth.
That being said, the Lions could also explore the idea of re-signing Rock Ya-Sin to a one-year contract over Robertson, especially if the latter wants more years or money. Ya-Sin has played well this season when called upon to start or play extra snaps on defense, and he gives you someone who can play special teams.
This season, the 29-year-old Ya Sin has a 48.3% completion rate allowed on 29 targets, a career-best 77.2 passer rating, and has only given up one touchdown on 194 plays in coverage.
Given the Lions’ play this season on both sides of the ball, general manager Brad Holmes will have to make a few changes and address several questions about who stays and goes. Robertson will be one of those guys who can either be in Detroit for 2026 or not.