The Detroit Lions’ playoff run ended in disappointment last season, with their secondary plagued by injuries most notably the in-game loss of Amik Robertson, who had just helped shut down Justin Jefferson a week earlier. The team’s lack of depth and durability in the defensive backfield has been a recurring issue, consistently haunting Detroit during critical moments.
But this offseason, a move that flew under the radar could help fix that problem. Lions insider Tim Twentyman pointed to veteran Avonte Maddox a free-agent signee from the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles as a potential game changer for the unit.
Twentyman praised the Lions’ primary cornerback group of D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, and Robertson, but emphasized how valuable Maddox could be as a versatile veteran presence. Entering training camp as the backup nickel corner and No. 3 safety, Maddox brings crucial experience and flexibility to a secondary that’s struggled with injuries and consistency.
“It’s a veteran group with versatility and experience,” Twentyman said via DetroitLions.com. “It’s one of the position groups I expect to see major improvement from in 2025.”
Maddox, 5-foot-9 and 184 pounds, fits the profile of a classic nickelback. A 2018 fourth-round pick out of Pittsburgh, he’s had a solid NFL career, with his best season coming in 2021 when he posted 73 tackles and two forced fumbles for the Eagles. Last year, he contributed 20 tackles and five pass breakups despite a reduced role.
If he stays healthy, Maddox could prove to be one of the Lions’ most impactful offseason additions helping solidify a secondary that has long been the team’s Achilles’ heel.
