In another free-agency loss for the Lions on Monday, veteran cornerback Amik Robertson will reportedly be leaving Detroit after he agreed to terms on a contract with the Washington Commanders.

Robertson, who was viewed as one of the Lions’ top unrestricted free agents, has agreed to terms on a two-year, $16 million deal with the Washington Commanders on Monday, March 9, according to the Detroit Free Press via a person with knowledge of the deal on the condition of anonymity.

Advertisement

The terms of the pending contract agreement were first reported by the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who revealed that the deal will feature 9.3 million in guaranteed money.

Robertson was the only Lions defensive back to play in all 35 games, including the playoffs, over the past two seasons. He started 10 games for the Lions last season and has experience at both the slot and outside cornerback positions, where he served as Detroit’s primary slot corner in 2024, before moving to the outside late in that season due to Carlton Davis III’s broken jaw.

In those 10 starts last season, Robertson forced two fumbles and had one interception, although he allowed a career-high eight touchdown passes and had a passer rating of 116.5 (his lowest mark since his first two years in the league) according to the NFL’s Next Gen stats.

Advertisement

Robertson’s departure is a potentially significant blow to a secondary that enters the new league year with off-field and injury concerns, with cornerback Terrion Arnold’s legal-troubles and safeties Brian Branch (torn achilles) and Kerby Joseph (problematic knee injury) returning from season-ending injuries.

As of March 8, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. could be viewed as the next option to compete for slot reps next season, along with Thomas Harper, who made nine fill-in starts at safety last year.

Although the conditions of the reported contract have been agreed upon, the signing will not become official until Wednesday, March 11, at the start of the new league year.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews

Advertisement

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions free agent CB Amik Robertson signs with Commanders