The Detroit Lions are riding high right now. Their once-beatable defense has looked much better in recent years, and the secondary will only get better once they get Kerby Joseph right next to Brian Branch in a couple of weeks.
However, as much as D.J. Reed has improved in recent weeks and as solid as Roger McCreary has been when lined up outside, the Lions still have a big hole at cornerback. That was an issue before the start of the season, and more so after Terrion Arnold's departure.
Considering that, and given his recent admission of frustration, the Lions should be all over New York Jets CB Nahshon Wright. He's barely played this season, and he was a turnover machine with the Chicago Bears last year.
The Detroit Lions should try to get Nahshon Wright
Wright played a huge role in Dennis Allen's secondary last season, helping the Bears' defense lead the league in takeaways. Not only did he pick off five passes, but he was also involved in five fumbles (three forced, two recovered).
That breakout performance granted him a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the ever-struggling Jets. Unfortunately for him, Aaron Glenn doesn't seem to be that impressed with him, and he's been more of an afterthought this season.
Wright might not be a shutdown corner, but this team doesn't even need a superstar. Just getting average play at cornerback would be a massive upgrade for this secondary, and he has a great nose for the ball.
With Reed handling the toughest matchup, McCreary shutting down the slot, Branch hitting hard at safety, and Joseph as another ball-hawking defensive centerfield, adding another turnover-creating machine to the mix would certainly elevate this team's prospects.
Wright is on an expiring deal and doesn't want to be there. He's on a team-friendly contract that the Lions could easily absorb, and given his public desire to leave, he should be easy and cheap to get. He's also familiar with the NFC North and its dynamics.
Granted, Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is essentially an Aaron Glenn disciple, so perhaps he might not be the most natural fit for the scheme. That said, he's definitely worth the shot, especially if the ever-struggling Jets are willing to give him up for a late-Day 3 pick.
The Lions are on the verge of Super Bowl contention, and this minor move could actually define their campaign.
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