The Detroit Lions agreed to a couple of additions along the offensive line on Monday, but the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period ahead of free agency didn’t do their defense any favors. The Lions suffered their first notable loss when cornerback Amik Robertson agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the Washington Commanders per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The Lions have plenty of time to sort things out as free agency doesn’t officially begin until the start of the league year on Wednesday. But even if the Lions bring in a veteran to compete, Robertson’s decision to leave Detroit creates a big chance for Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to seize a starting role and realize his potential.
Amik Robertson’s Departure Gives Ennis Rakestraw a Breakout Opportunity in 2026
The 61st overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Rakestraw has been limited over his first two seasons due to a string of injuries. While he was set to take a starting role early in his career, he pulled his hamstring before a Week 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and took a backseat to Robertson, playing eight games.
Rakestraw may have had a bigger role last season amid the injuries in the Lions’ secondary, but he also was bitten by the injury bug, suffering a shoulder injury during training camp that wiped out his entire 2025 season.
While his availability has been disappointing, the Lions clearly saw some talent during his collegiate career at Missouri. As an added bonus, he also spent time in the slot, allowing 12 catches for 69 scoreless yards on 18 targets and allowing 0.47 yards per coverage snap in that role according to Pro Football Focus.
If he can stay healthy, there’s a good chance he can replace what Robertson did for the Lions the past two seasons. Robertson did enough to keep Rakestraw on the sidelines in 2024, allowing 47 catches for 601 yards and two touchdowns with seven pass breakups on 81 targets. But last year showed his mercurial side, allowing 65 catches for 817 yards, six touchdowns with an interception and nine pass breakups on 96 targets.
The performance wasn’t bad enough to keep Robertson from cashing in during free agency and it may give Rakestraw the chance to succeed him. Even if the Lions add a corner in the coming weeks, Rakestraw should get a chance to play if he finally avoids the trainer’s room and could wind up being one of Detroit’s biggest early winners of the free agency period.