Next month, the Detroit Lions could see several veterans depart the Motor City as free agents. Al-Quadin Muhammad and Alex Anzalone are at the top of many Lions fans’ minds as they’re wondering if one or neither will be back in 2026.
Meanwhile, veteran cornerback Amik Robertson is likely on his way out the door after a rough 2025 season. Robertson’s play took a major step back this past season after playing so well in 2024.
The defensive back struggled a ton in pass coverage this season, as the Lions needed him to play on the outside, for an injured Terrion Arnold at various points, as well as in the slot. The veteran CB never found his stride, and he became a weak link in the Lions’ secondary.
Opposing quarterbacks completed 67.3 percent of their passes against Robertson, who also gave up eight receiving touchdowns (career-worst) and had a 117.7 passer rating allowed when targeted.Â
It clearly wasn’t what the Lions expected from Robertson after an exceptional 2024 season. And now Robertson will hope to recapture his 2024 form with another team next season.
Amik Robertson Could Give His Next Team Instant Buyer’s Remorse
For those who don’t remember, Detroit signed the veteran to a two-year, $9.25 million deal in March 2024. Robertson played well during the 2024 campaign, as the Lions dealt with injuries on defense.Â
The veteran defensive back recorded 50 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, four tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles across 17 games (4 starts). Robertson also held opposing QBs to a 61.4 completion percentage and a 90.7 passer rating, while allowing two TDs.
Unlike the 2025 season, when he started 10 games, Robertson started only four games in 2024. He also had the luxury of playing opposite Carlton Davis and having Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch behind him.
Wherever he goes next, Robertson might not have as strong a safety duo behind him. At this stage of his career, he’s a solid veteran and spot starter in the slot, but putting him on the outside and overexposing him (10 starts), as we saw this past season, is not a good idea.
Now, that’s not to say that Robertson can turn things around with his new team. However, he probably won’t get a two-year deal as he did with Detroit. Spotrac projects his market value at a three-year, $11.8 million contract, with an average annual value of $3.9 million.
Even though Robertson’s estimated AAV isn’t terrible, given his play and age, a long-term deal with the veteran cornerback might not be in his new team's best interests.
Detroit learned that the hard way in 2025, as the fan base grew tired of Robertson giving up big plays and getting burned in coverage. We’ll see what the future holds for the veteran cornerback in the next few weeks.