After completely falling apart in the playoffs on the defensive side of the ball, the Detroit Lions have made an effort to revamp their defensive unit this offseason. The changes that began with the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn continued through free agency. The Lions lost star cornerback Carlton Davis and replaced him with DJ Reed while moving on from the likes of Za'Darius Smith, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and Kindle Vildor.
On Friday, the Lions addressed their defensive depth concerns by signing a cornerback with local ties. Avonte Maddox, who spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles and won a Super Bowl last year, signed a one-year deal with the Lions.
The #Lions are signing former #Eagles CB Avonte Maddox. pic.twitter.com/JCD4rIDAuq
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 21, 2025
NFL News: Lions Sign CB Avonte Maddox
Last season, Maddox played every single game of the season for the first time in his career. Appearing in 33% of Eagles' defensive snaps and 43% of special teams snaps, Maddox has primarily lined up in the slot. Earlier in his career, he has seen more playing time at safety and the outside before moving into the nickel with time.
The Lions will likely start Terrion Arnold and DJ Reed on the outside with Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph rounding out the secondary. Branch will continue to spend time at the slot but Maddox should take some of those snaps in 2025.
This is a homecoming for Maddox. Born in Detroit, Maddox went to Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School in Downtown Detroit. After choosing Pittsburgh over Purdue for college, he became a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Now, he will look to win another Super Bowl for his hometown team.