The Detroit Lions saw multiple defensive backs leave in free agency earlier this offseason and sign elsewhere. The most notable was Carlton Davis, who inked a sizable three-year deal with the New England Patriots.
However, the Lions didn’t waste any time replacing him, as they signed veteran D.J. Reed to a three-year deal to play opposite Terrion Arnold. In addition to Davis, Detroit also saw versatile defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu sign a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.
Even though Melifonwu wasn’t a starter over his four-year tenure with the Lions, he still gave them a defensive back with size who could play corner and safety. Melifonwu only played three games last season due to ankle and finger injuries.
That being said, the Lions had to find a replacement for Melifonwu in the secondary, and luckily for them, the perfect option was available in free agency.
The Lions picked up former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox, who is also a native of Detroit, signing him to a one-year, $2 million deal.
Maddox has experience playing in the slot and at safety, which gives him a good chance to make the 53-man roster. In fact, the veteran standout received high praise from Detroit head coach Dan Campbell earlier this week at OTAs.
“Glad we got those guys. They’re going to fit right in with us,” Campbell said on Thursday when asked about Maddox and D.J. Reed (h/t Will Burchfield of 97.1 The Ticket).
Dan Campbell on players catching his eye this spring: "Gibbs and Jamo are two guys that really stood out."
— Will Burchfield (@burchie_kid) June 5, 2025
Also cites DJ Reed and Avonte Maddox: "Glad we got those guys. They’re going to fit right in with us."
"Ennis would be another guy that stood out. And LaPorta."
The Lions will not be looking for the veteran defender to start, given the depth in front of him at the nickelback and safety spots. However, if Maddox can carry that momentum from OTAs into training camp in July, he could carve himself a nice role in Kelvin Sheppard’s defense.
That said, the key for Maddox is staying healthy, which plagued him in 2022 and 2023. He did a good job of staying on the field last season, playing a ton at nickelback to start 2024 before the Eagles turned the job over to Cooper DeJean.
On a one-year deal, the Lions might’ve found a gem in Maddox, who is looking to prove himself and has clearly caught the attention of Campbell. The vet’s spot on the roster isn’t guaranteed, but with Melifonwu gone, he’s exactly what the Lions need.