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Lions Poach Pro Bowl Defender From Rival in Latest Free Agency Prediction

By Richard Louis

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks with reporters about the third day of OTAs Thursday, May 25, 2023. Near the end of the press conference Campbell had fun taking a few questions about his t-shirt with GM Brad Holmes on the front.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks with reporters about the third day of OTAs Thursday, May 25, 2023. Near the end of the press conference Campbell had fun taking a few questions about his t-shirt with GM Brad Holmes on the front. / Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Detroit Lions are patiently waiting for the Wild Card Round matchups to transpire. As the No. 1 seed, the Lions have a first-round bye. That much-needed rest could be crucial as Detroit looks to bring home the Lombardi Trophy.

With 14 teams competing in the 2025 NFL Playoffs, the rest of the NFL have shifted their attention to the offseason.

Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus released an article discussing one free agent every team in the NFL should go after. In that piece, he had Detroit signing Minnesota Vikings corner Byron Murphy Jr.

Locker wrote, "It’s hard to truly pinpoint a lot of weaknesses on a team that’s 15-2, but the Lions might need to shore up their cornerback room going into 2025. Carlton Davis and Kindle Vildor are both on expiring contracts, and Terrion Arnold (50.4 PFF coverage grade) underwhelmed in his first regular season. The Lions have enough money (about $57 million) to make waves with a signing, and Murphy would qualify. The 26-year-old was at his best with the rival Vikings this year."

The Lions traded for Davis in March, but he'll be a free agent this offseason. The 28-year-old is on IR with a broken jaw but was a productive player for them. In 13 games this season, Davis had 56 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions.

The Lions may look to re-sign Davis, as they are expected to have around $70 million in cap space per Spotrac.

If they can't bring him back, Murphy Jr. would be a great option for them. The 26-year-old came into the league as a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft with the Arizona Cardinals. He joined Minnesota in 2023 and has played the last two seasons with them.

Murphy Jr. is having a career year with the Vikings. He's posted career-highs in total tackles (81), pass deflections (14), and interceptions (6). These numbers helped him become a 2024 Pro Bowler.

Per PFF, he had a 72.8 overall grade (33rd among 223 eligible corners) and a 72.6 coverage grade (36th among 223 eligible corners).

He would be a terrific addition to the Lions' secondary while hurting a division rival in the process. It would be a win-win addition if that's the route Detroit wants to take.

Even though the Lions are focused on the playoffs, the offseason speculation doesn't stop.

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