It was unavoidable based on the allegations, and it occurred rapidly. After Florida authorities issued an arrest warrant for Cameron Sutton on Wednesday, the Detroit Lions dismissed him on Thursday.
After Sutton’s difficult first season with the Lions in 2023, some supporters wanted him to leave. He was expected to have a chance to redeem himself next season in a lower-pressure role following the signing of Carlton Davis. However, the gravity of his alleged off-field violation changed everything very rapidly.
For better or worse, the Lions suddenly have a conspicuous gap in their cornerback depth chart. Brad Holmes made a deliberate attempt to solve the team’s biggest issue early this offseason, dealing for Davis and signing Amik Robertson before Day 2 of free agency ended. The door was still open to add someone, either through free agency or the draft, and with Sutton gone, that idea has taken on new urgency.
Drafting a cornerback may still occur, possibly early in next month’s procedures. However, the Lions should be seeking for a veteran addition, and these five appear to be a good fit.
Jackson is coming off a terrible 2023 season with the New York Giants, in which he moved roles (from slot to outside) and received lower PFF grades (48.6 overall, 45.9 coverage grade). He’s also missed at least three games in five consecutive seasons.
Before last season, Jackson had two successful seasons with the Giants. If you exclude 2020 as a tiny sample, because he only played three games, he has posted an overall PFF grade of 70 or better in each of his previous five seasons.
Jackson has usually played outside, but he can also play in the slot, and the Lions admire his versatility. He also possesses return game skills, which increase his value. His experience in the Giants’ blitz-heavy strategy should also benefit him with the Lions.
