CB Roger McCreary gets deal with Detroit Lions as more secondary help

The Detroit Lions haven’t done anything yet in free agency to strengthen their thin defensive line, but they continue to add insurance to their secondary.

The Lions agreed to a one-year deal with former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Roger McCreary on Friday, March 13, a person familiar with the deal but not authorized to discuss it publicly because it’s not yet signed, told the Free Press.

McCreary, 26, was a part-time starter last season with the Tennessee Titans before he was sent to the Rams at the NFL trade deadline for a pick swap.

Oct 19, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary (21) walks off the field post game against the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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In Detroit, McCreary should add depth to a secondary that has injury and off-field concerns.

The Lions return four starters in their secondary in cornerbacks D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold and safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch – slot cornerback Amik Robertson left for the Washington Commanders in free agency – but Arnold, Joseph and Branch are returning from season-ending injuries and Arnold is the subject of a police investigation in Florida that could impact his availability this fall.

The Lions, who also return backup cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Khalil Dorsey and No. 3 safety Thomas Harper, signed defensive back Christian Izien earlier in free agency.

Izien can play slot cornerback or safety, and along with McCreary gives the Lions options in their secondary.

Rakestraw, a second-round pick in 2024, also is coming off a season-ending injury.

A second-round pick by the Titans in 2022, McCreary started all 17 games as a rookie but has seen his playing time decrease every year since. He started 11 games in 2023, seven in 2024 and three last year, when he allowed a 110.2 passer rating, according to Pro Football Reference, and saw limited time on defense – just 38 snaps – after his trade to the Rams.

The Lions spent the early part of free agency addressing their offense, agreeing to contracts with linemen Cade Mays and Larry Borom, running back Isiah Pacheco and backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the first 32 hours of the negotiating period.

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