Without a doubt, the Detroit Lions cornerback play was a pretty big disappointment in 2025. The question moving forward is: what should they do about it? Can the Lions\u2019 internal options take a big step in 2026, or is it time for another round of investments at the position?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore in our position-by-position Lions offseason preview.<\/p>\n
Lions 2025 recap: Cornerback<\/p>\n
D.J. Reed stats (11 games, 11 starts): 46 tackles, 7 passes defended, 2 INTs, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery65.2 PFF grade \u2014 45th out of 112 qualifying CBs61.3 coverage grade \u2014 60th out of 10978.7 run defense grade \u2014 10th out of 102Terrion Arnold (8 games, 7 starts): 31 tackles, 8 passes defended, 1 INT52.6 PFF grade \u2014 94th out of 112 qualifying CBs53.8 coverage grade \u2014 89th out of 10947.1 run defense grade \u2014 DNQAmik Robertson stats (17 games, 10 starts): 52 tackles, 12 passes defended, 1 INT, 2 forced fumbles48.6 PFF grade \u2014 108th out of 112 qualifying CBs48.0 coverage grade \u2014 101 out of 10949.0 run defense grade \u2014 85th out of 102Rock Ya-Sin stats (17 games, 6 starts): 47 tackles, 9 passes defended, 2 QB hits64.7 PFF grade \u2014 48th out of 112 qualifying CBs67.1 coverage grade \u2014 39th out of 10950.8 run defense grade \u2014 82nd out of 102<\/p>\n
It was a disappointing year for the Lions cornerback room, and it started with injuries. First, the Lions lost 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw to a season-ending training camp injury. Then Reed went down with a serious hamstring injury that landed him on IR after just four games. Reed was playing well before the injury, but was inconsistent upon his return. He still fits the bill as a strong run defender that can play some man, but it\u2019s fair to say his first year in Detroit didn\u2019t go as hoped.<\/p>\n
For Arnold, it was a similar outcome. After a really strong training camp, Arnold came out of the gate with some familiar struggles. But just as it looked like he was starting to turn things around\u2014posting a 67.6 and 90.3 coverage grade against the Vikings and Commanders, respectively\u2014Arnold suffered a shoulder injury that would eventually end his season after just eight games.<\/p>\n
Even Amik Robertson, who had a fantastic 2024 season, took a bit of a step back. He wasn\u2019t as bad as his PFF grades suggest and he still remain one of Detroit\u2019s more reliable inside\/outside options at cornerback, but there were games he seemed uncharacteristically overwhelmed this year.<\/p>\n
Unexpectedly, Ya-Sin may have been Detroit\u2019s best depth option. The veteran cornerback ended up playing at least 10 defensive snaps in 11 games last year, and for the season, PFF credited him with just 26 catches on 49 targets for 276 yards, one touchdown, and a meager 76.6 passer rating when targeted.<\/p>\n