The Detroit Lions will keep expanding their secondary in 2025.

The Detroit Lions are an NFL team that has long struggled with consistency and competitiveness, particularly in the area of defense. While the offense has made strides in recent years with the development of star players like quarterback Jared Goff and running back Jamaal Williams, the defense has often been the Achilles’ heel of the team. In 2025, however, the Lions are poised to make significant strides in their secondary, adding new talent, refining their defensive schemes, and positioning themselves for long-term success. The expansion of the Lions’ secondary will be a crucial aspect of their strategy as they aim to elevate their status in the NFC North and beyond.

This article delves into the Detroit Lions’ efforts to expand their secondary in 2025, discussing the key players, moves, and strategies the team will implement in order to build a more formidable defensive backfield. From draft picks and free-agent signings to coaching strategies and system changes, the Lions are determined to build a secondary that can compete with the NFL’s best and provide the team with a true edge in the coming seasons.

The Importance of the Secondary in 2025

The NFL’s passing game continues to evolve, with quarterbacks becoming more efficient, and wide receivers pushing the limits of speed, route-running, and contested catches. As a result, defensive backfields across the league are more crucial than ever. The Detroit Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, understand that a solid secondary is the backbone of any successful defense. A capable secondary provides the foundation for a defense that can slow down high-powered offenses, disrupt the passing game, and create turnovers.

As the Lions’ offense has shown promise, the defense, particularly the secondary, remains an area of focus. By expanding and improving this unit, Detroit hopes to better match up against formidable NFC North rivals like the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears, all of whom boast potent offensive attacks. The NFC as a whole has seen a surge in dynamic quarterbacks, including Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles), Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), and Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), which puts additional pressure on defensive backfields to perform at a high level.

Key Components of the Lions’ Secondary Expansion

To address their defensive shortcomings, the Detroit Lions will focus on several key areas in expanding their secondary in 2025:

1. Adding Young Talent Through the Draft

One of the most promising avenues for improving the secondary is through the NFL Draft. The Lions will undoubtedly look to draft a cornerback or safety with one of their early picks in 2025. Brad Holmes has shown a penchant for drafting young, dynamic players who can develop into foundational pieces for the team. A key area of focus will be the cornerback position, which has been inconsistent in recent years.

The Lions may target a top-tier cornerback prospect who excels in both man-to-man and zone coverage. Given the increasing prevalence of tall, fast wide receivers, including the likes of Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) and A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles), Detroit needs a cornerback who can match up physically with these high-caliber players.

Additionally, the safety position is likely to see attention. With teams running more complex offenses that rely on both the deep and intermediate passing game, the safety position requires players who can provide both coverage and support against the run. Detroit may look for a versatile safety who can act as a ball hawk, capable of disrupting passing lanes and creating turnovers. Adding young, fresh talent will be key to building depth in the secondary.

2. Free-Agent Signings

In addition to the draft, free agency will be a key avenue through which the Lions look to upgrade their secondary. While drafting players provides long-term growth, acquiring established veterans can provide immediate impact and leadership. The Lions’ front office is likely to target free-agent cornerbacks or safeties who can bolster their defense right away.

Detroit will seek experienced players who can complement their young talent and contribute to the overall culture of the team. A veteran cornerback who can help develop the younger corners and take on top receiving threats would be a valuable addition. Likewise, a seasoned safety who excels in both coverage and run support would help stabilize the back end of the defense.

In free agency, players like James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles), Jimmie Ward (San Francisco 49ers), or even a more experienced safety like Marcus Maye (New Orleans Saints) could be ideal targets. These types of players bring both stability and a wealth of knowledge to the secondary, something that can be invaluable for a young defense looking to find its footing.

3. Coaching Changes and System Tweaks

The development of the secondary will not only depend on the talent added through the draft and free agency, but also on the coaching staff’s ability to maximize the potential of the players. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has been praised for his ability to teach and develop young players. In 2025, the secondary’s growth will hinge on Glenn’s ability to adjust the defensive scheme to fit the strengths of his players.

Glenn will need to tailor the defensive backfield’s scheme to the modern NFL, where passing attacks are more sophisticated and quarterbacks can read defenses quickly. Whether the Lions continue to employ a primarily zone-based coverage scheme or lean more heavily on man-to-man principles, they will need a defensive coordinator who can make the most of his secondary’s talent. The ability to disguise coverages, adjust to offenses, and create confusion in the backfield will be essential to Detroit’s success.

Additionally, position coaches will play a crucial role in developing the secondary. The Lions’ cornerbacks coach, safeties coach, and defensive backs coach will work closely with young players to ensure they have the techniques and mental fortitude to compete at a high level. Focus will likely be placed on improving the Lions’ ability to track the football, create turnovers, and maintain coverage discipline.

4. Expanding Depth and Competition

A strong secondary isn’t just about star players—depth is equally important. The Lions will need to continue developing depth behind their starters. In an era where teams frequently use multiple wide receivers and tight ends, the ability to rotate players and keep fresh legs on the field is crucial. The depth of the secondary will allow the team to handle injuries, substitutions, and the demands of a grueling 17-game season.

Expanding the secondary also means fostering competition at every position. While the Lions will likely have a few locks at cornerback and safety, they will also create opportunities for younger players to step up and earn starting roles. This competition could push players to develop more quickly and adopt a more intense approach to their craft, which is essential for long-term success.

Potential Star Players in 2025

As the Detroit Lions look to build a formidable secondary, several players are poised to take on significant roles in 2025. Some of the key figures who will contribute to the secondary’s growth include:

Jeff Okudah (Cornerback)

The former first-round pick, Jeff Okudah, will be a central figure in the Lions’ secondary in 2025. After a few injury-plagued seasons, Okudah showed signs of returning to form in 2024. A healthy and fully developed Okudah could be one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, capable of locking down top wide receivers. His length, athleticism, and ball skills make him a key player to watch in the secondary.

Will Harris (Safety/Cornerback)

Will Harris, a versatile player, has been a key contributor to the Lions’ defense in recent seasons. While he has primarily played safety, he has also seen time at cornerback. Harris’ ability to move between positions gives the Lions flexibility in how they use him. His experience in multiple roles will be invaluable as the Lions aim to shore up their defensive backfield.

Amani Oruwariye (Cornerback)

Another important player for the Lions is Amani Oruwariye, a cornerback who has flashed the potential to become a top-tier defensive back. With his ball skills and ability to make plays in critical situations, Oruwariye could emerge as a cornerstone of the Lions’ secondary if he continues to develop.

The expansion of the Detroit Lions’ secondary in 2025 is crucial to the team’s long-term success. With an emphasis on adding young talent, acquiring veterans, refining coaching strategies, and building depth, the Lions will look to create a secondary capable of competing with the league’s best offenses. As the team continues to build around its offensive core, the defense will need to catch up—and with a focus on the secondary, the Lions are positioning themselves to do just that. The road ahead is filled with promise, and the secondary will be one of the most critical factors in determining whether the Lions can achieve success in the coming years.