The Detroit Lions have some things to check off their to-do list this offseason, and upgrading their cornerback room is near the top. The secondary was one of the Lions' weakspots last season, which is why the latest news surrounding veteran CB Marshon Lattimore should garner plenty of attention around the Motor City.
On Monday, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported that the Washington Commanders are expected to release Lattimore. With him expected to hit the open market, the Lions should check in on him and see what it would take to bring him over to Detroit.
Lions Should Keep Tabs on Marshon Lattimore After Release Buzz
Lattimore's 2025 season was cut short, as he tore his ACL in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks. This was the second straight season that Lattimore has dealt with injuries, as hamstrings hammered him in 2024. Still, his track record warrants the Lions' attention.
Lattimore's a four-time Pro Bowl selection, logging 436 total tackles, 98 pass deflections, and 16 interceptions in nine seasons. While health is something that needs to improve on his front, he's certainly worth the dart throw — especially with how the last two seasons have gone for Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Arnold was limited to eight games in 2025 after being placed on injured reserve in December due to a shoulder injury. Even before going down, he struggled for the Lions.
According to Pro Football Focus, he had a 52.6 overall grade (95th among 114 graded CBs), 53.8 coverage grade (92nd among 114 graded CBs), and a 47.1 run-defense grade (95th among 114 graded CBs). In coverage, he allowed 23 receptions (41 targets) for 331 receiving yards and two touchdowns. And his rookie season wasn't much better, as he gave up 56 passes for 728 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
As for Rakestraw, he missed the 2025 season with a shoulder injury. During his rookie campaign in 2024, he was a depth piece but missed some time due to a hamstring injury. He was limited to eight games, logging six total tackles.
The Lions have work to do in the cornerback room, which is why Lattimore would be an interesting add. He's an outside corner, and if Detroit brought him in, that would likely signal Arnold being asked to move to the slot. Yet, he has played that position during his college days at Alabama.
In an article by Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News, he wrote, "Arnold's versatility was showcased during his redshirt-sophomore season (2023), as he took 32.6% of his snaps from the slot or in the box."
Even though he wasn't asked to play inside with the Lions thus far, that may change if Lattimore is brought in. Lattimore himself needs to stay healthy, but he's played at a high level in the NFL. The idea of bringing him in would elevate a cornerback room that needs more quality defenders, but would lead to a shake-up at the same time.