The Detroit Lions have one of the most loaded rosters in the NFL entering the 2025 season. As a result, they didn’t need to make as many big signings as their free agent counterparts. While the lack of new faces isn’t great for fans who want to see Detroit land their next superstar, their signings were still important for a team that saw 13 players land on season-ending injured reserve.
That means an under-the-radar signing has increased importance in Detroit, and one player is already off to a good start. While he didn’t walk out of OTAs with a starting role, his presence is starting to pay off and could help the Lions avoid the events that led to the abrupt end to last season.
Avonte Maddox Is Giving the Lions the Depth They Need After OTAs
Maddox wasn’t a big money signing, agreeing to a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Lions in March. The 29-year-old was coming off back-to-back down seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, but his versatility was a key selling point after spending time at the slot cornerback and both safety positions.
The ability to play multiple positions comes in handy for the Lions, who lost Ifeatu Melifonwu in free agency. With Brian Branch playing as much at slot cornerback (31.3% of snaps) as he did at safety (32.6%), Detroit needs someone who can handle both positions as he moves around the formation, and Maddox drew positive reviews from head coach Dan Campbell.
“Glad we got those guys,” Campbell said of Maddox and fellow free agent acquisition DJ Reed. “They’re going to fit right in with us.”
Defensive backs coach Jim O’Neil was also complimentary of Maddox’s ability to play at safety.
“We obviously lost [Melifonwu] and we gained Avonte Maddox,” O’Neil said. “Avonte will be an inside player, similar to what he’s done his whole career as far as a nickel/safety body. That’s what he’s done at Philly for the years [he was there].”
Having the ability to give a defense frequent looks is nice, and the Lions also have a strong nickel corner in Amik Robertson. But it also gives them insurance in case of injury, which is something they didn’t have one year ago.
Maddox isn’t likely to turn in a sudden Pro Bowl campaign with his move to Detroit. But if he succeeds in his new role, it will be money well spent.