Can CB Marcus Peters Aid Lions' Defense?

Could Detroit add a two-time All-Pro?

The Detroit Lions secondary has been the target of much scrutiny throughout the 2023 NFL season. 

Despite the team adding key players in the offseason, the unit has not lived up to elevated expectations despite the team's 8-3 start. When the trade deadline came and passed, it surprised some that the Lions elected to stand pat defensively rather than add talent in the secondary. 

The production at cornerback has been particularly lackluster. Cam Sutton, who signed a three-year deal last offseason, has allowed an opposing passer rating of 106.9 through 11 games. 

Jerry Jacobs, who has started opposite Sutton, has been slightly better by allowing a passer rating of 101.1. With these struggles, the Lions pass defense ranks 20th in the league in yards against. 

A potential solution has hit the open market, as the Las Vegas Raiders waived cornerback Marcus Peters Monday. A nine-year NFL vet, Peters' career production fits the mold of Detroit's defensive identity with his ability to generate takeaways. 

The veteran signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Raiders this offseason, so any team who claims him on waivers starting Tuesday would be on the hook for the remainder of that salary. 

Should he not be claimed, he'll become a free agent. Could the Lions be a fit? 

Peters has 33 career interceptions, including one this season against Detroit. In that Week 8 showdown on Monday Night Football, Peters intercepted Jared Goff and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown. 

Lions Drop in NFC Playoff Standings

The Lions have been lacking in the takeaway department, ranking 25th in the league with 1.1 per game. In particular, the defense has just eight interceptions. Jacobs is the leader with three, while Kerby Joseph has two and three players have one. 

Peters has a 71.3 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus this season, a number that would rank second behind Ifeatu Melifonwu amongst Lions defensive backs this season. 

However, his overall production has dipped this season, as he's allowed an opposing passer rating of 101.7. 

The veteran's interception against the Lions is his only of the season to this point, and he had just one last season as well. His last multi-interception campaign came in 2020, when he had four playing for the Baltimore Ravens. 

Another area where Peters has struggled this season is as a tackler. His PFF grade in this department sits at a lowly 30.0, and he has been tabbed with 12 missed tackles this season. 

Lions coach Dan Campbell has built his team with a physical identity, so production in this area is vital to success. Peters' lack thereof is likely an unappealing metric to the organization's brass. 

In totality, Peters is a hard bargain. His career affinity for takeaways would make him a welcome addition, but the recent fall in performance is concerning. 

Given the Lions' consistency with not reaching for moves throughout the season, it's unlikely that they'd be willing to break this trend. Additionally, continuing to give reps to Jacobs opposite Sutton could wind up being more beneficial than adding the veteran in the long run.