The Detroit Lions have the second-worst defense in the NFL through two weeks. Only the Indianapolis Colts, who faced the Ravens and the Chiefs in the first two weeks of the season, have allowed more yards and points than the Lions.
A big reason for this has been the pass defense. The Lions have a solid defensive line, but their secondary leaves plenty to be desired. Despite Terrion Arnold's departure and both starting safeties' injuries, the Lions have refused to make a significant addition to the roster. Kelvin Sheppard's unit looked out of sorts, making a ton of mistakes and communication errors.
Short of parting ways with Sheppard, the only thing the Lions can do is improve their personnel. At least the Lions are seemingly looking into upgrades.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Monday that the Lions are working out a group of defensive backs. Among this group are Jordan Fuller, Jalen Mills, and Mike Edwards.
Jalen Mills may return to Detroit for much-needed secondary help
These are all veteran defenders who have a ton of NFL experience. While it makes sense that the Lions would want to bring them in to see if they can help them, at least until Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are back, there is a reason these players are still available on the market.
Fuller and Edwards are both capable veterans who have won a Super Bowl, but the most likely addition has to be Mills.
The 32-year-old finished last season with the Lions after getting claimed off waivers in December. He had started the season with the Texans, but was released mid-season. He played in three games for Detroit late last season following Branch's Achilles injury. In the final two weeks of the season, Mills played 65 defensive snaps.
Of course, those games were essentially meaningless, but Mills was solid. Given that the same decision-makers and coaches who signed him last season are still in place in Detroit, he likely has the inside track to join the Lions over the other veterans.
Mills isn't only competing against Fuller and Edwards. NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported on Sunday that the Lions are also interested in signing free-agent cornerback Kenny Moore II. There are also rumors that the Lions may explore a Joey Porter Jr. trade.
Regardless of which direction they go, the Lions clearly have to do something. To have any chance of making a deep postseason run, Detroit has to be better on the secondary. If we don't see an addition, at the very least involving Jalen Mills, Lions fans will have every right to be frustrated.
Add us as a preferred source on Google