Impact Cornerback Lions Could Target in Free Agency

Could the Lions target a Buccaneers cornerback in free agency?

In the early projections of what the Detroit Lions may do in the first round of the 2023 draft, many pundits have Lions general manager Brad Holmes targeting a cornerback. 

While the Lions could use the No. 6 or No. 18 pick to target a cornerback, the front office may look to free agency to find a player ready to come in and contribute at a high level immediately. 

More: Jerry Jacobs Wants Lions to Draft Defense in First Round

According to PFF, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean is the fifth-ranked free agent available this offseason. 

“Dean takes some risks attempting to jump routes that at times can lead to explosive receptions over the top, but his size, athleticism and physicality at the line of scrimmage enable him to disrupt opposing wide receivers’ releases and will have a lot of teams interested," writes Brad Spielberger. "He doesn’t have great ball skills -- though he did snag two interceptions on the year -- and can be a bit stiff in the hips, but we’re nitpicking here with a guy who can match up well with a lot of the top big-bodied wide receivers across the NFL.”

Dean could be seeking a deal worth slightly more than teammate Carlton Davis, who signed a three-year, $44.5 million contract to remain in Tampa Bay.

Spotrac indicates Dean’s market value to be $26.3 million over three years. 

The Buccaneers are projected to be north of $50 million over the 2023 established salary cap of $225 million. So, keeping Dean may be a struggle for the NFC South team. 

In four NFL seasons, Dean has earned coverage grades above 75.0. 

Coming out of Auburn, Dean was coveted by several NFL teams, due to his length and ability to play in a variety of coverages.

The 26-year-old played in 15 games last season, before his season ended following a broken toe. He established himself throughout the season as the Buccaneers' top cover cornerback. 

Pairing Dean with Jerry Jacobs and Jeff Okudah could be intriguing for Aaron Glenn, Brian Duker and Dre Bly, as the secondary looks to perform and execute at a much higher level in 2023.