The Detroit Lions are no strangers to key defensive injuries, with the 2024 season being defined by consistent key losses. While this season hasn't been as difficult, there has been no shortage of setbacks, including with cornerback Terrion Arnold. The veteran defender is currently in concussion protocol, and his return to the lineup remains an unknown. This would seemingly open the door for the Lions to make an impact move at the position.
It isn't the only member of the Lions secondary dealing with an injury, with safeties Daniel Thomas and Kerby Joseph both showing up on this week's injury report. With this in mind, there is every reason for the Lions to want to attempt to find an improvement, and no possible fit makes more sense than free agent CB Asante Samuel Jr.
The young corner was an important piece of the Los Angeles Chargers' defense before an extended injury caused him to miss time and delayed his free agency deep into the 2025 season.
However, the Lions, for some odd reason, haven't voiced any known interest, with the report according to A to Z Sports Mike Payton. It's an odd decision, not only based on the possible fit, but the fact that it is a chance to steal from Detroit's rivals.
Defensive Back Asante Samuel Jr. Remains Perfect Late-Season Lions Addition
Both the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers have shown interest in Samuel and could benefit from the corner if he is able to return to the version of himself we watched in Los Angeles. All of this paints a picture of what a mistake it is for the Lions not to at least bring in the defender and see if there is a potential fit. With the depth issues and injuries in the Detroit secondary, it is impossible to believe Samuel wouldn't be an upgrade.
For Samuel, joining the Lions would give him a great chance to make meaningful plays with a contender before hopefully cashing in during 2026 free agency. Perhaps his delayed decision stems from wanting more money, but it's clear that a deep postseason run wth Detroit would be more beneficial for Samuel's bank account in the long term, rather than trying to maximize dollars this season.
Regardless of the reasoning, the Lions would be ill-advised not to reverse their course and at least bring the corner in for a workout. There simply isn't anything to be lost by doing your homework and seeing if there is a potential fit.
Arnold continuing to struggle with injuries and the interest from your rivals is more than enough reason to explore the move. Apart from this, the Lions could use a late-season boost based on how their season unfolded a year ago. Choosing never to be content is the mindset of the league's top contenders and would seemingly demand the Lions reverse their mistake and bring in Samuel.