Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said on Tuesday morning that the Lions are exploring the cornerback position in free agency after Cameron Sutton's release. There are a lot of veteran cornerbacks on the market and guys that can help pit. Let's take a look at who's available. 

Ahkello Witherspoon

Here’s a guy that’s been in the league for quite a while now and just finally got a chance to be a starter last year. The former third-round pick had chances with the 49ers and Steelers, but injuries held him back. Last year he played his first full season and started every game with the Rams. 

While he's no superstar, he played pretty well. Witherspoon had three picks and 14 pass breakups. He's always been a ball hawk wherever he's been. Being healthy now makes him a very intriguing option. The guy can play.  

Adoree’ Jackson

Here’s a guy that could start right away. Jackson did have a rough season in 2023, but that came after six pretty good seasons. Part of the problem, in my opinion, is that the Giants were just a bad football team last year and their secondary took a beating as a whole. 

Jackson will find a home and he'll get some playing time. Why not in Detroit on a short term prove it deal? Our on staff cap analysts project that Jackson will get a one year deal worth $2.5 million. That's a steal for the Lions. 

Avonte Maddox

Maddox is a solid depth player that we’ve brought up before. There’s a connection there with Lions special teams coach Dave Fipp. Maddox does have starting experience, but he would be better served at the Lions CB3. 

He could maybe be more, but he has an injury history that could get in the way of that. Maddox has only played 13 games in the last two seasons. 

Stephon Gilmore

Speaking of Gilmore, the Lions could sign the older one. This isn’t the first time I’ve brought this up before. The opportunity to player with his brother is something that could bring him here. I mentioned Howard being a good veteran for the locker room, that triples for Gilmore. He’s been a pro’s pro for quite a while now and could really help this group along. 

He wouldn't be too costly either. Our cap staff projected that he would get one year deal worth $8.5 million. A little more pricier than Jackson, but you're getting a much better player out of it.  

Steven Nelson

This is not the first time that Nelson has been linked to the Lions. Pro Football Focus had Nelson paired with the Lions ahead of free agency. He’s another solid veteran that’s played pretty well in his career. It’s a bit surprising that no team has scooped him up yet.

The Lions could get a day one starter at CB2 here with Nelson and they could do it on the cheaper side of things. Our cap staff projected that he would get a one year deal worth $7 million. That's doable. 

Tre Herndon

I’ve also brought up Herndon a couple times. He was with new Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend in Jacksonville and he played the best football of his career with him. 

The question is can he be a starter? He's played 83 games and has only started 34 of them. He's worth having as a depth piece for sure, but can he come in and take on a bigger role for the short term? I just don't know. He did play well in the four starts he had for the Jags last year. 

Patrick Peterson

I feel like we’ve been talking about Patrick Peterson and the Lions for a very long time. He was once considered a dream pick for then Lions GM Martin Mayhew. Then every time he’s hit free agency he’s been considered an option for the Lions. It’s never happened. 

Here's an opportunity to finally get it done. A veteran presence is important and the future hall of famer has one of the biggest presences that any player could at this position could have. He's still a decent player too. Add in the fact that he's likely to be looking for a contender and it's a good match. 

Rock Ya-Sin

The former second round pick has had a hard time living up to his draft position and his pretty good rookie year with the Colts. They held on to him for a while until trading him to the Raiders for Yannick Ngakoue. The Raiders chose not to bring him back and he played for the Ravens last year. 

While he only started one game, he played well when he had a chance to get on the field. He fits the Lions because they likely aren't looking for a guy that's going to start day one. They'll have Davis, Robertson and the rookie they likely pick. Ya-Sin could be a solid part of a rotation and could get a chance to rebuild his career. Something the Lions have helped multiple guys do.