The Detroit Lions are slated to match up against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The main discourse around the team has been around the offense and the apparent disconnection that has surfaced. On top of that, the Lions have no shortage of injuries on the defensive side of the ball, which is less than ideal at this time of year.
The Lions released an injury report for Week 10 on Friday, and they ruled out Kerby Joseph (h/t @E_Woodyard). While Joseph is dealing with his knee injury, that's left his return uncertain, a former Lion got released, and Detroit should look at bringing him back in for a reunion.
The Tennessee Titans released safety Quandre Diggs on Friday (h/t @MySportsUpdate), and with a need in the safety room, Diggs would be a nice addition at this stage of the season.
Lions Should Bring Back Quandre Diggs Following His Release
According to Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports NFL, the Lions were looking to add to the safety room at the trade deadline. They didn't pull the trigger on any trade, but now the chance to make a veteran addition to the room without giving up any draft capital.
Diggs was on the Titans for the first half of the season, logging 329 total snaps. In nine games for Tennessee, he has logged 30 total tackles and one pass breakup. On Pro Football Focus, he has a 66.1 overall grade (32nd among 90 graded safeties), 64.7 run-defense grade (63rd among 90 graded safeties), and a 64.4 coverage grade (30th among 90 graded safeties).
While he may not be the same player that he was in his prime, he could be a solid addition to a safety room that needs more bodies. He entered the league as a sixth-round pick by Detroit in 2015 and developed into a plus starter.
In five seasons with the Lions, Diggs secured 235 total tackles, 37 pass deflections, and six interceptions. He has a history of being in that building and the Motor City. It would be a reunion for him and allow him to produce on a playoff-bound team, perhaps helping him return to his Pro Bowl form.
There seems to be no timetable for when Joseph will return to action, which is why the idea of adding Diggs is more intriguing. It's a low-risk, high-reward move. Besides, when Joseph eventually returns, Detroit's secondary will be even better with Diggs in the mix, too.
The Lions have leaned on Thomas Harper during Joseph's absence, as he's recorded five tackles and two pass breakups in his last two outings. Harper has a 70.8 overall grade and 68.1 coverage grade on PFF, which are stable numbers, but he's still a second-year player who doesn't have a lot of starts under his belt.
Meanwhile, Diggs has 124 career starts, offering plenty of experience. It's the type of move that could boost the Lions' outlook, especially if the 32-year-old defender can turn back the clock. That alone should be enough reason for general manager Brad Holmes to pick up the phone.