The Detroit Lions must use every outlet this offseason to improve their roster for the 2026 season. After missing the postseason, the Lions need reinforcement, highlighting the need for depth help across the board, with some positions requiring more bolstering than others.
The Lions should make it a priority to get more capable players at cornerback, which is why they should watch the Arizona Cardinals closely. Johnny Venerable of PHNX Cardinals listed several players who could be released to give Arizona more cap space, and cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting was named.
And if he does get on the open market, Detroit would be wise to consider adding him to the roster, as they need some depth at CB.
Sean Murphy-Bunting Would Be a Dream Signing for Lions
Arizona made Mike LaFleur their new head coach this offseason, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him turn the page on those who aren't 'his guys.' If the Cardinals parted ways with Murphy-Bunting, they'll create $7 million in space, per Spotrac, and that seems like the likely pathway after they drafted Will Johnson and Denzel Burke last year.
Murphy-Bunting did miss the 2025 season after landing on the NFI list, but he has six years of experience under his belt. The Central Michigan product can play both slot and wide corner back, which is valuable in today's NFL. Being able to play multiple positions is something the Lions could use after dealing with injuries throughout the secondary last season.
In 2025, Terrion Arnold was limited to eight games after undergoing shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, D.J. Reed missed six games due to a strained hamstring. That's without mentioning how Ennis Rakestraw Jr. had shoulder surgery in August, ending his season before it even began.
That forced the Lions to lean on other depth pieces, including Rock Ya-Sin, Amik Robertson, Arthur Maulet, and Khalil Dorsey. With Ya-Sin, Robertson, and Maulet all hitting free agency, the Lions need to find players to fill in.
Even if the Lions want to roll with Reed, Arnold, and Rakestraw as their starting trio at CB, they need to have someone who can start if needed. Murphy-Bunting can provide that. He could even compete with Rakestraw for one of those starting jobs.
Murphy-Bunting's Experience Can't Be Ignored
Murphy-Bunting has appeared in 82 career games (65 starts), logging 297 total tackles, 34 pass breakups, eight forced fumbles, and 11 interceptions. He even has a Super Bowl ring on his resume, as he was a starter for the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Additionally, new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is someone who knows Murphy-Bunting well. The veteran coach was the Cardinals' offensive coordinator during the last two seasons that the Macomb, MI native was on the team, meaning Petzing knows what Murphy-Bunting is capable of from their battles in practice.
The fact that the former 2019 second-rounder is a local talent who spent his college days with the Chippewas is the icing on the cake.
The last few seasons have been up and down for Murphy-Bunting, in addition to missing the 2025 campaign, but that should only lower his price on the open market. A one-year, prove-it contract with the Lions could be exactly what the 28-year-old defender needs to land a multi-season payday before he reaches his 30s.
Murphy-Bunting will be 29 years old for next season and has played in several systems. The Lions need someone with his experience to help turn the secondary from a liability into a strength.
If Murphy-Bunting is released, general manager Brad Holmes can't hesitate to give a call to his agent, Chase Callahan, as soon as possible.