This is the sixth in our series previewing the Detroit Lions’ needs heading into free agency. The legal tampering window opens at noon on Monday, and deals can be signed starting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. Today: Cornerback/Safety. Previously: Quarterbacks | Wide receivers and Tight Ends | Offensive Line | Running backs |Defensive line/EDGE

Under contract: Cornerbacks: Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw, Stantley Thomas-Oliver

Safeties: Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Loren Strickland, Erick Hallett

Expiring deals: Cornerbacks: Emmanuel Moseley, Khalil Dorsey, Kindle Vildor

Safeties: Ifeatu Melifonwu

Best available: Cornerbacks: Carlton Davis (Lions), Charvarius Ward (49ers), D.J. Reed (Jets), Darius Slay (Eagles), Byron Murphy (Vikings)

Safeties: Jevon Holland (Dolphins), Tre’von Moehrig (Raiders), Justin Reid (Chiefs), Camryn Bynum (Vikings), Talanoa Hufanga (49ers)

Other potential Lions fits: Cornerbacks: Carlton Davis (Lions), Charvarius Ward (49ers), D.J. Reed (Jets), Darius Slay (Eagles), Byron Murphy (Vikings)

Safeties: Ifeatu Melifonwu (Lions), Mike Edwards (Buccaneers), Marcus Maye (Chargers), Will Harris (Saints), Talanoa Hufanga (49ers)

Breakdown: Of the several position groups the Lions must address in free agency, one could argue the secondary is the most important.

Acquired by the Lions last year in a trade with the Buccaneers, Carlton Davis III instantly upgraded their cornerback corps with his high-level play last season.

Before breaking his jaw in Week 15 against Buffalo, Davis was on pace to log career highs. He finished the year with 42 solo tackles, 11 passes defended, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 13 games.

Adding to that, Davis allowed only two receiving touchdowns, and opposing quarterbacks completed just 55.3% of their passes when targeting him.

While Davis’ production warrants the Lions considering re-signing him, his availability raises concerns. The seven-year veteran has yet to play a full NFL season, missing as many as four games per year over the past three seasons.

Davis’ absence proved significant for Detroit, as he missed the final three games, including the divisional-round loss to the Commanders.

There are pros and cons to re-signing Davis. If the contract length is reasonable and the salary isn’t too hefty, the Lions should bring him back and hope for a healthy season. But if he becomes too expensive, the Lions have options.

One intriguing possibility is San Francisco’s Charvarius Ward.

Over the past six seasons, Ward has proved to be an above-average starter at cornerback, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. He allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete just 54.1% of their passes when targeting him.

It’s unclear what type of payday Ward will seek, but he could come slightly cheaper than Davis and without the injury concerns.

Jets cornerback D.J. Reed could also be an option, depending on the price. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 46.3% of their passes when targeting Reed last season. He allowed just two passing touchdowns and a 63.0 passer rating as the primary defender in coverage.

As for Byron Murphy, it’s highly likely the Vikings find a way to retain him.

However, if the Lions are unable to re-sign Davis or land Ward, a reunion with Darius Slay on a one-year deal makes the most sense. Slay has said Detroit and Philadelphia are the only two places he’d like to play next season.

With the Lions needing a cornerback, Slay would provide a high-level starter opposite Terrion Arnold as the team evaluates Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Switching from cornerbacks to safeties, the Lions also have a significant decision regarding Ifeatu Melifonwu’s future in Detroit. The fourth-year player blossomed in 2023 and was key in the Lions’ run to the NFC title game.

That said, Melifonwu was largely absent last season due to injury. He suited up for the final three games, including the divisional-round matchup. If the Lions decide to bring him back, it would essentially be based on his 2023 production—24 tackles, eight passes defended, five quarterback hits, three sacks and two interceptions.

Keeping Melifonwu could be too costly unless he agrees to a team-friendly deal. If the Lions move on, Tampa Bay’s Mike Edwards is an option due to his versatility in the secondary.

A potential sneaky fit for Detroit could be Talanoa Hufanga. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2022 but has dealt with injury concerns in recent years. If he’s willing to sign a one-year “prove-it” deal, he could be a solid option at box safety for the Lions.

A warming and mostly dry weather trend is beginning in Metro Detroit, but a few snow showers are still impacting part of Southeast Michigan.

Snow showers will move across the region on Saturday night, mainly in the Thumb. Flurries will be possible across northern Metro Detroit. Otherwise, clouds will decrease and skies will become mostly clear. Lows will be around 30 degrees. Winds will be out of the west-southwest at 8 to 12 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.

Sunday

Sunday, we will “spring forward” with the start of Daylight Saving Time. After 1:59 a.m., the time will jump to 3 a.m.

A stunning sunrise will occur around 7:55 a.m. in Metro Detroit. Skies will be mostly sunny through the day, with highs near 50 degrees. Expect westerly and southwesterly winds at 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

Sunset will happen at 7:33 p.m. at Detroit Metro Airport. The skies will remain mostly clear at night. Temperatures will fall to the lower to mid 30s.

Monday

Warmer air will flow into Southeast Michigan for the workweek.

Highs will be near 60 degrees on Monday, with abundant sunshine. Lows will be in the lower to mid 40s.

Tuesday

Highs will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s on Tuesday. These highs would be 15 to 20 degrees above normal. Plan for partly cloudy skies and breezy conditions.

Tuesday

A cold front will start ushering cooler air into Metro Detroit for Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Under partly cloudy skies, Tuesday night’s lows will be in the lower 30s.

Wednesday

Wednesday will be mostly cloudy. The cooler air mass will limit highs to the mid 40s to 50 degrees. Lows will be in the mid 30s.

Thursday

Temperatures will begin to climb again for the end of the week. Thursday’s highs will be in the upper 50s to 60 degrees, under mostly cloudy skies. An isolated rain shower is possible.

Friday and Saturday

The mostly cloudy weather will continue into Friday and Saturday, but Saturday will bring rain and gusty winds. Plan for temperatures in the 60s on both days.

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has a lot of work ahead of him this offseason, and will undoubtedly focus most of his attention on the weakest side of the ball: the defense.

The Lions’ offense is already in good shape, after averaging a league-best 33.2 points per game a season ago. It’s a unit that also returns franchise passer Jared Goff, All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell and several playmakers, including the likes of All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Pro Bowl running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

However, if Holmes were interested in taking the offense to an even higher level of productivity, there’s one move he could make: acquire Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf.

The two-time Pro Bowler – and 2019 second-round pick of Seattle – recently requested to be traded. And from all accounts, Seahawks GM John Schneider is actively listening to offers for the play-making receiver.

If acquired, Metcalf would make Goff an even more proficient passer, and give the Lions a trio of receivers that would be on par with any NFL franchise’s top three wideouts. He’d provide Detroit with yet another big-play threat, and one which could stretch defenses vertically just like Jameson Williams. And he’d arguably make offensive coordinator John Morton’s unit unstoppable.

Theoretically, Metcalf would also make it easier for the Lions to win high-scoring games (contests in which the defense has trouble keeping the opposition out of the end zone). Detroit experienced a couple of those contests a season ago (i.e. against the Bills in Week 15 and the Commanders in the playoffs).

Since entering the league, the now 27-year-old Metcalf has compiled the fifth-most receiving touchdowns (48), the 12th-most receiving yards (6,324) and the 16th-most catches (438). He’s also amassed at least 900 receiving yards in each of his first six NFL seasons. Additionally, he’s coming off a campaign in which he recorded 66 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns. 

The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder is the definition of a next-level pass-catcher that has been a model of consistency. 

Despite all those positives, there is a level of concern to be had with potentially dealing for the star Seahawks receiver. First off, Holmes & Co. would have to likely part with multiple high-end draft assets in order to acquire Metcalf, including their first-rounder this April. It’s something that Holmes hasn’t been willing to do in years past, even for a player of Metcalf’s caliber. 

Second, Metcalf possesses the highest 2025 cap hit among all NFL receivers, and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the upcoming season. He won’t be cheap to re-sign, and a trade for him will likely come with a new contract for the big-bodied receiver. That might also turn off the Lions – and many other franchises – from attempting to trade for him.

There are definitely a ton of reasons for why Detroit should pull the trigger on a deal for Metcalf. He’d arguably make the team’s receivers room the very best in the league. And even more importantly, he’d make the Lions’ already high-octane offense even more productive. 

It’s why I’d strongly consider executing a trade for the longtime Seahawks receiver. Yet, at this present juncture, I believe Holmes will choose not to because of the expected asking price and Metcalf’s contract status.