The Detroit Lions failed once, but that doesn't mean they won't try again.
On Friday, head coach Dan Campbell spoke with reporters a day after the Pittsburgh Steelers finalized a trade sending cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a conditional 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second.
According to The Athletic's Colton Pouncy, Campbell confirmed that the Lions "were very much in on" acquiring Porter, only to be outbid.
"Just like any year, man, it's nonstop," Campbell said, per A to Z Sports Lions beat writer Mike Payton, while coming to general manager Brad Holmes's defense.
"Like, Brad's constantly looking to upgrade this roster at every position," Campbell continued. "If we can find somebody that [we] feel like fits us and can help us, you know, and the value's right, we will."
Dan Campbell discusses the failed Joey Porter Jr. pursuit in Friday's news conference
Campbell's comments will do little to assuage fans' concerns after missing out on one of the top corners on the trade block. Through three games, Detroit has had the league's worst secondary, ranking last in passing yards allowed (299.3 yards per game).
The team's top two corners, D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin, have struggled. Per NFL Pro data, they've combined to allow 26 receptions on 35 targets (74.3 percent) for 383 yards and three touchdowns. In Week 3, Sumer Sports credited Reed with allowing completions on all three targets to New York Jets No. 1 wideout Garrett Wilson for 61 yards and a touchdown.
The unit's struggles aren't entirely surprising. Corner was a major area of need dating back to before training camp. In late June, the Lions released Terrion Arnold, the team's 2024 first-round pick (No. 24 overall), after he was charged with eight felonies stemming from an armed robbery. He has pleaded not guilty.
With the trade deadline on Nov. 10, the clock is ticking for Holmes to strike a deal. Detroit needs the defensive boost to keep its Super Bowl window open. The offense, which set a franchise record with three consecutive 30-point games to start the season, has more than held up its end of the bargain. It would be a huge missed opportunity if Holmes allowed that to go to waste.
But after being unwilling to exceed the Cowboys' offer for Porter, that doesn't bode well for Holmes' ability to outbid others in the market for defensive back help.
If he's serious about fixing Detroit's dire cornerback situation, Holmes will have to be more aggressive than in Porter negotiations. But if there's anything worse for the Lions than failing to improve at cornerback, it would be Holmes making a panic move simply to appease an anxious fanbase.
That puts Detroit in a difficult situation. As the trade market heats up before this season's deadline, it should be at the front and center in talks. But emerging without a corner might only make Holmes's seat hotter. If he can't strike a deal, there could soon come a time when the Lions consider finding someone who will.
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