Pride of Detroit
Lions’ cornerback and special teams ace Khalil Dorsey was having a strong year before an injury cut things short. Did he show enough to be brought back for 2025?
Next up in our Detroit Lions free agent series we have cornerback and special teams ace Khalil Dorsey.
Here’s a look at our previously written free agent profiles: QB Teddy Bridgewater, WR Allen Robinson, WR Tim Patrick, G Kevin Zeitler, OT Dan Skipper, EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad, DT Kyle Peko, LB Derrick Barnes, CB Carlton Davis, CB Emmanuel Moseley, CB Kindle Vildor, S Ifeatu Melifonwu, and K Michael Badgley.
When Lions coach Dan Campbell talks about players buying into the culture that has been cultivated in Detroit, Dorsey is a great example of what he is talking about. Since signing to the practice squad back in December of 2022, Dorsey has steadily improved during his time with the organization.
After the 2022 season wrapped up, he signed a futures deal to stick around with the Lions. In 2023, he carved out a role on special teams—logging 295 snaps on the year, with another 80 snaps as a reserve cornerback.
With newcomers like cornerbacks Carlton Davis III, Amik Robertson, and rookie Terrion Arnold being added to the room, the expectation was for Dorsey to compete for a depth role at corner, while also serving as a core member of all special teams units.
Note: PFF grades combine regular season and playoffs and reflect a minimum 20% snaps at that position
14 games (1 start)— 73 defensive snaps/270 special teams snaps. 8 tackles, 1 pass breakup, 5 special teams tackles.
PFF defense grade: 47.7 (did not meet minimum snap criteria for defensive rankings)
PFF run defense grade: 54.6
PFF tackling grade: 62.9
PFF coverage grade: 46.8
PFF special teams grade: 70.2
Before injuries took their toll all over the Lions’ defense, Dorsey’s role was very similar to his 2023 season. In year two with Detroit, he established himself as a certified special teams demon—particularly as a gunner on the punt coverage unit.
“Dorsey I think is, if not the best, one of the best gunners in this league,” Campbell said this year. “He’s always causing some type of disruption or a penalty.”
Along with All-Pro punter Jack Fox, Dorsey and the rest of that unit were frequently able to help the Lions flip the field on opponents when they opted to kick it away. Thanks in part to Dorsey, Fox set the NFL record for net punting yard average (46.2).
Defensively, Dorsey reprised his depth role, and earned one start during a Week 13 win over the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately, Dorsey suffered a fractured leg in Week 15 that ended his season early, and further complicated the already dreadful injury-situation for the Lions’ defense.
“Yeah, I mean, obviously crushed for him,” said special teams coordinator Dave Fipp. “I mean, this guy’s an incredible player for us, obviously. Just watching the film...
