This time last year, Detroit’s secondary was built around CB Terrion Arnold and safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Since then, Arnold was released following his arrest on eight felony charges, Branch tore his Achilles and Joseph’s future has turned into a question mark as he deals with a lingering knee ailment. At cornerback the Lions are relying on D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., along with Roger McCreary and fifth-round pick Keith Abney II, which is not exactly the strongest crew. If Branch and/or Joseph miss significant time, Detroit will need bigger contributions from Christian Izien, Avonte Maddox, Thomas Harper and/or free-agent addition Chuck Clark. On a roster that’s otherwise excellent, the secondary is riddled with reddish flags. - Matt Okada, NFL.com

The Lions' defense as a whole last season never found its stride, dealing with injuries across the board. Injuries to safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph doomed a secondary that was already struggling to defend down the field.

Joseph is recovering from a knee injury that had his status in question for the back half of 2025. His status for training camp remains in question. Branch is still recovering from a torn Achilles, and isn't expected to be back in action until maybe as late as December.

Avonte Maddox and Thomas Harper had some good moments while playing clean-up last season, but are both limited compared to the All-Pro-caliber starters. They could make it work, but the cornerback situation won't make their jobs any easier.

Former first-round pick Terrion Arnold, expected to be the go-to corner on this team in 2026, has since been released by the Lions after his connection to an armed robbery and kidnapping case brought felony charges against him. To pick up the pieces, the Lions are bringing back D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and a handful of part-timers and rookies to see who will handle the cornerback position coming out of training camp.

The Lions are primed to bounce back this season with a rejuvenated offense and healthy defensive line, but the secondary could be what makes or breaks them in what might be the most competitive division in football.

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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: NFL.com analyzes Detroit Lions' biggest remaining roster issue