The Detroit Lions’ secondary is in flux heading into their Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. They were already dealing with injuries at cornerback, and now could be without starting safety Kerby Joseph, who is battling a knee injury.
And then to make matters worse, the Lions won’t have their other starting safety, Brian Branch, who had his one-game suspension upheld for his actions in last week’s loss to the Chiefs. With that being said, the Lions quickly found a replacement on Wednesday night, signing former Kansas City Chiefs DB Jammie Robinson to a one-year deal, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
According to Jeff Ridson of The Lions Wire, Detroit is already familiar with Robinson, having met with him at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine and Senior Bowl. That being said, this sudden partnership seems like it'll only be a short-term solution for the ailing contender.
Lions’ New Safety Jammie Robinson Might Have Short Stay in Motor City
Many fans wondered what the Lions would do at safety after waiving Loren Strickland earlier this week. The 25-year-old defensive back was signed to the active roster at the beginning of this month and played 17 special teams snaps in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Enter Robinson, who spent the first six weeks on KC’s practice squad. However, with Branch’s suspension being one game, plus the Lions having a bye in Week 8, the Lions could part ways with Robinson by Week 9.
By the time we get to Week 9, the Lions should have Avonte Maddox back, along with Branch coming off of suspension and Joseph getting back to 100% with the time off. Maddox has the versatility to play in the slot and at safety, which Robinson doesn’t possess.
Robinson has predominantly played safety in his first two years in the league with the Carolina Panthers (21 games). Even though he's on a one-year deal, Detroit could release Robinson in a couple of weeks to add another free-agent, trade acquisition or promote someone from the practice squad.
One of the candidates who could get called up is veteran CB Kendall Fuller, who was signed earlier this week. Fuller would be a nice addition to the 53-man roster, with his years of NFL experience once he gets up to speed. Cornerback is also a much a more long-term issue for Detroit with the likes of DJ Reed and Khalil Dorsey on IR.
That said, Robinson has a chance to state his case to stick around by getting an opportunity on the 53-man roster. He'll have to make the most of this week to accomplish that goal, though, with reinforcements expected after the bye.