The Detroit Lions knew they needed to revamp their secondary. As such, letting the struggling Amik Robertson go was a rather easy decision for general manager Brad Holmes. He stepped up when D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold were hurt, but being the only available option didn't mean he was the best one.
The Washington Commanders gave him a two-year deal to serve as the slot corner for the new defensive coordinator, Daronte Jones. With Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos on the boundary, Dan Quinn's team hopes to put its coverage woes in the past.
Robertson hasn't been in the nation's capital for long, but he's already made a strong impression. That's why Lions fans can only laugh as they wait until he ultimately regresses and shows his true nature on the field:
“Amik is a Pit Bull out there, as we know, and he plays with a certain level of intensity,” Jones told the media.
The Lions won't miss Amik Robertson
The Commanders are coming off giving up the most total yards per game (389.9), including 242.5 passing yards, the fifth-most in the game. They also allowed 26.5 points per game, so they were clearly desperate for help. The bar was particularly low, which is why they might be so impressed by Robertson.
Robertson didn't do much for the Lions in the slot or outside. He made 17 appearances with 10 starts last season, registering 52 tackles, 12 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one interception. He gave up 70 receptions on 104 targets for 947 yards and eight touchdowns, with quarterbacks logging a passer rating of 117.7 against him.
He missed tackle left and right, and his 48.6 Pro Football Focus grade was the fifth-worst among 114 eligible cornerbacks. Pitbull or not, great attitude or not, it's hard to believe he'll be much better for a team with years of struggles against the pass, even with a revamped secondary.
The Lions should be better off with Roger McCreary handling things in the slot, especially if Terrion Arnold is back to full strength and finally plays up to the hype. Rookie Keith Abney II should also be in the mix for snaps in the slot and outside if he can keep penalties to a minimum. Whatever the case, Robertson won't be missed.
The Commanders, like the Lions, will look to bounce back after a fairly disappointing season. Nevertheless, unlike their NFC East counterparts, the Lions actually made moves to get better and make the most of an easier schedule to return to the top of the division.
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