The Detroit Lions are less than one week away from their season-opening trip to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers. However, they might still not feel entirely confident in the group they've put together.
At least, that's what one can assume from their latest move. According to Lions beat writer Justin Rogers, the team brought in veteran DB Tre Avery for a visit.
According to the league's transaction report, the Lions hosted defensive back Tre Avery for a visit today.
— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) September 1, 2025
That shows they may have some doubts about their secondary defense, even though they have a strong core with Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed lining up out wide and Amik Robertson handling duties in the nickel. But what can Avery bring to the table, assuming they even sign him? Let's break it down.
Lions Host Tre Avery For a Visit
Tre Avery has solid ball skills and a strong nose for the football. However, he's struggled to keep up with his man in coverage at times, and, per AtoZ Sports, he was the most-targeted cornerback in the league in 2023 at 21.32 percent. More worryingly, he allowed a completion percentage of 71.69 percent that season.
Avery entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers back in 2022. He's been with four teams so far, getting his career started with the Tennessee Titans and logging 29 tackles, nine passes defended, and one tackle for loss in 14 appearances as a rookie.
He stayed in Tennessee for two more seasons and made 24 appearances overall. He played 653 snaps on defense and 440 special teams snaps before ultimately being waived late in 2024. Then, he joined the San Francisco 49ers for the remainder of the 2024 season before being cut again.
Avery landed with the New England Patriots but was released shortly after. He found the same luck with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as they cut him just four days after bringing him in.
The Lions seem to be all set at cornerback, and they have proven veterans and versatile backups in Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox, both of whom can play at cornerback or safety. They also have Daniel Thomas and Thomas Harper at safety, so even if they choose to bring in more help, they might be able to do better than Tre Avery.