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.