Once the Detroit Lions’ 2024 season concludes, the team will turn its attention to the 2025 offseason, where general manager Brad Holmes won’t have many holes to fill because to sensational roster development throughout the years.
While the attack is nearly complete, the defense still has some questions. One of the positions that remains uncertain is cornerback, where veteran Carlton Davis is due to enter free agency and is not assured to return.
The Lions may already have an in-house successor in second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr., but the rookie cornerback from Missouri didn’t play much this season, so the Lions may have to go elsewhere for help if Davis isn’t re-signed.
Knowing this, Yardbarker’s Josh Eaton thinks that the Lions will make a trade with the Cleveland Browns for great cornerback Denzel Ward this offseason. Eaton believes the Lions might deal Ward for a late first-round pick.
“With OC Ben Johnson likely securing a head-coaching gig this offseason, Detroit won’t be able to rely as heavily on elite offensive production to counter their vulnerable defense,” Eaton pointed out.
“The Browns are entering a full-blown rebuild and might be willing to part with Ward and his hefty $100.5M contract for a late first-round pick.”
Ward has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL for several years. Over seven seasons in the NFL, the former No. 4 overall pick has been selected to four Pro Bowls.
Ward surrendered a completion rate of 54.5% and a passer rating of 92.8 in 2024. In comparison, Davis allowed a 55.3% completion rate and a 77.0 passer rating, so his numbers aren’t far off Ward’s.
The Lions’ ambition to complete a huge trade for Ward is contingent on numerous factors. For starters, the price would have to be reasonable, as the Lions would be taking on a big $100.5 million deal.
Ward’s contract runs until 2027, and he’ll be 28 years old next season.
The Lions would also have to deem him a significant upgrade over Davis; otherwise, it would be more cost effective to simply bring the veteran back. In addition to those two factors, the Lions would have to be uneasy with the thought of going with Rakestraw Jr. to bring Davis back or trade for Ward.
If Ward is on the trade market, Holmes may go aggressive and pursue him. However, as of today, we would classify this prediction in the “unlikely to happen” category.
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