The Detroit Lions are heading into the final stretch of the regular season and sit at 8-5 going into Week 15. They are on the outside looking in on the playoffs and need to play their finest ball now to give themselves the best chance to make the postseason.
The safety room took a massive hit when Brian Branch went down with a torn Achilles against the Dallas Cowboys, but they received some clarity on that room on Tuesday. According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, the Lions are signing slot cornerback Arthur Maulet to the active roster.
This move gives them another depth piece in the secondary, but also makes it appear that Avonte Maddox will stick at safety for the foreseeable future.
Arthur Maulet Addition Gives Clarity on Lions Safety Room
Maulet is back with the Lions after first joining them on Oct. 8, when Detroit was facing injuries to D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, and Khalil Dorsey. He played in six games for the team, which featured one start. In those outings, he had 14 total tackles and one interception. He played the majority of his snaps in the slot earlier in the season, and fans should expect that to continue.
But this addition likely means that Maddox will stay at starting safety. Last week in the win over the Cowboys, Maddox logged 70 snaps at free safety, and head coach Dan Campbell thinks he played well in that contest.
Based on the stats and film, Campbell's statements are hard to disagree with. In his last outing, he had eight total tackles, a forced fumble, and one pass deflection. Maddox only allowed two catches for eight yards in this contest as well.
According to Pro Football Focus, Maddox notched a 90.3 defensive grade, 73.4 run-defense grade, and an 83.4 coverage grade. For a player who was a depth piece before getting thrust into action, he answered the call with ease.
Considering all the injuries Detroit is also facing in the safety room, it makes it easy to see why Maddox will stay at safety. He can also play slot CB, but with Maulet back into the equation, the need for him to step in there isn't needed.
The NFL is all about opportunities, and it looks like Maddox made the most of his in Week 14, and fans should expect to see him back at safety going forward.