Pride of Detroit
We’re far from knowing how the Terrion Arnold legal saga will end, but as Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes said this offseason on the Lions Collective podcast, sometimes it’s the job of an NFL team to be prepared for the worst.
“I’m just more of a, let’s call it a pessimistic planner in terms of I just like to prepare myself for that,” Holmes said, responding to a question specifically about Arnold’s situation. “I’m not saying that something’s going to come out the worst, but that’s how I prepare in all situations. But I always hope for the best, as well. That’s kind of my way of saying that we look at every single avenue, every single possible outcome, and make sure that we’re prepared.”
Whether Holmes properly planned for Arnold’s arrest is debatable, but as I see the roster right now, Detroit could certainly use some help at cornerback. We’ve already discussed the internal options to replace Arnold in the starting lineup, but even if someone like Rock Ya-Sin or Ennis Rakestraw steps up, it leaves the Lions’ perilously thin in case of injury.
So let’s look at some free agency options out there Detroit could still pursue to bolster their corner room.
Diggs’ start of his career was phenomenal, earning two Pro Bowls, an All-Pro, and an interception title in just the first three years of his career. That earned him a huge five-year, $97 million extension in 2023. Admittedly, his career has been on the downswing since then.
He tore his ACL later that year, had his season cut short due to surgery on the same leg in 2024, and then publicly clashed with Cowboys the next season while dealing with concussions and inconsistent play. He was unceremoniously released mid-season in 2025, and had a brief, inconsequential stint with the Packers.
It’s been a few years since Diggs’ play was at an acceptable level, but if he’s truly past his injuries and finds a comfortable home, he’s a big, physical corner who fits in Detroit’s press-man scheme.
Moore turns 31 in a couple months, but he would come to Detroit with nine years and 111 starts of experience. Last year was his first season since his rookie year that he didn’t start at least 11 games (he started seven).
Moore is a bit undersized (5-foot-9), but he has the tenacious playing style Detroit admires. He’s an elite run defender, posting an 84.4 PFF run defense grade last year. His coverage skills are still decent, as he’s tallied seven interceptions and 19 passes defended over the last three seasons.
Now, Moore has mostly been relegated to the slot recently in his career, but he has plenty of experience on the outside. Adding Moore would give Detroit options much like Amik Robertson did last year. The Lions could keep him on the inside and move someone like Roger McCreary to the outside or flip the two. Or, as the Colts used him...
