A potential $35 million comeback story brewing for Rasul Douglas as Detroit Lions explore options to strengthen their troubled cornerback lineup
The Detroit Lions are facing a crucial offseason as they search for solutions to bolster their struggling cornerback lineup. Throughout the 2024 season, the Lions grappled with challenges in the cornerback position, highlighting the urgent need for reinforcements. Adding to the complexity, Carlton Davis, the team’s primary cornerback in the previous season, is poised to become an unrestricted free agent, raising uncertainties about his return to the team.
In the quest to address their cornerback needs, the Detroit Lions are exploring various options, including delving into the free-agency pool. One intriguing prospect that has caught their attention is Rasul Douglas, a seasoned cornerback who has shown promise in his recent performances. Pro Football Focus ranks Douglas as the 14th-best free agent available this offseason, underscoring his potential impact on a team’s defense.
Douglas brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent the last season-and-a-half with the Buffalo Bills. During his tenure with the Bills, spanning 24 games in 2023 and 2024, Douglas showcased his defensive prowess with impressive statistics. He tallied 87 total tackles, 13 passes defensed, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and a sack, illustrating his versatility and playmaking abilities on the field.
A History of Interceptions and Challenges
Despite a standout career marked by interceptions, Douglas faced challenges in the 2024 season, particularly in coverage. His performance in coverage, as reflected by a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 58.9, experienced a notable decline compared to previous seasons. This dip in form was evident in various metrics, including a high passer rating allowed (123.7) and yards per reception allowed (12.0), signaling areas for improvement in his defensive game.
As Douglas enters a critical juncture in his career, the Detroit Lions are presented with a decision regarding his potential acquisition. Spotrac estimates Douglas’s current market value at $11,905,464 over three years, amounting to a total salary of $35,716,392. While Douglas’s track record suggests the possibility of a resurgence in form, the Lions must weigh the cost-benefit of investing in the veteran cornerback, considering factors such as age and recent performance fluctuations.
In the eyes of Detroit’s general manager, Brad Holmes, the pursuit of Rasul Douglas represents a calculated risk that could yield significant rewards if Douglas manages to stage a successful comeback in the upcoming season. Balancing the financial implications with the potential impact on the team’s defense will be crucial in determining the Lions’ approach towards securing Douglas’s services for the future.