The Detroit Lions have made sure to add some players to the CB room this offseason, which is bad news for third-year CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. While the Lions added depth to the position, they shouldn't be done, and the update around CB Martin Emerson Jr. has to be intriguing.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the former Cleveland Browns CB is on a visit with the Houston Texans. And that's a step in the right direction, considering he missed last season with a torn Achilles. With him making rounds and taking a visit, the Lions would be wise to check in and see what it would take to bring in Emerson Jr.
Lions Should Check on Martin Emerson Jr. as He Takes Visit with Texans
While the Lions' projected starting CB trio is Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, and Roger McCreary, Detroit can't overlook the need to ensure it has enough depth. They re-signed Rock Ya-Sin, added Christian Izien in free agency, and still have Rakestraw Jr., Nick Whiteside, and Khalil Dorsey in the fold.
With a competition expected to take place this offseason, the Lions should kick the tires on Emerson Jr. in the coming days. Before going down last season, Emerson Jr. was leaned on by the Browns. Between 2022 and 2024, he appeared in 50 games (33 starts), logging 202 total tackles, 34 pass deflections, and four interceptions.
While the 2024 season was his worst one as a pro, allowing career-highs in receiving yards (604) and touchdowns (6), he still has the tools needed to start in this league if needed. During the 2025 season, the Lions saw Reed, Arnold, and Rakestraw Jr. all miss time. The Lions can't afford to have insufficient depth. And Emerson Jr. would be an upgrade over someone like Dorsey.
Dorsey has spent the last three seasons with the Lions, appearing in 38 games (3 starts). He's never played in more than 10 percent of defensive snaps, instead being utilized as a special teams contributor. Although that's still an important part, the Lions could use someone better in that spot.
Injuries on the defensive side of the ball racked up over the last two seasons in the Motor City, significantly impacting Detroit's defense. That can't be the case this year, and that's why the idea of adding Emerson Jr. makes sense. He would be an upgrade over the likes of Rakestraw Jr., Dorsey, and Whiteside.
And with him coming off an injury like a torn Achilles, the price shouldn't be as high. The fact that he's taking a visit indicates he should be ready to roll for the 2026 season, and Detroit should bring him in and see what it takes to get him signed for the upcoming campaign.