The Detroit Lions enter training camp facing new questions at cornerback, and longtime beat writer Dave Birkett believes some of those concerns could have been addressed months ago.
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During an appearance on Crunch Time Sports on Woodward Sports Network, Birkett questioned whether Detroit general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell did enough to protect the roster against the possibility that Terrion Arnold’s legal situation could worsen.
Arnold, a former first-round pick, had been connected to allegations involving an alleged kidnapping and robbery plot dating back to February. Arnold’s attorney and representatives denied the allegations.
The Lions publicly stood behind Arnold while the situation developed. Birkett’s concern centers less on that public support and more on whether the organization should have created a stronger contingency plan at cornerback.
Birkett Believes the Warning Signs Were Clear
Birkett argued that the reporting available before free agency should have encouraged Detroit to prepare for the possibility that Arnold might not remain available.
“I don’t think they did enough. I think it was pretty obvious to anyone who had done any reporting or investigating on the matter, you know, way back in February or March, that Terrion Arnold could be caught up in some of this stuff,” said Birkett. “The Lions should have done a little bit more to prepare for potentially losing him. Obviously you signed Roger McCreary, re-signed Rock Ya-Sin; those are nice veteran depth additions.”
The Lions were not in position to know exactly what would happen with Arnold. His representatives denied his involvement, and Campbell publicly expressed confidence in the young cornerback’s version of events.
“As of a month ago, this was nothing. So I have no idea what this is. As far as I know, it’s still not a big deal. It seems like he wasn’t involved with this. So, we’ve got some things there, and we’ll just take it as it comes,” Campbell explained. “Until something happens, I feel like we’re going to be good here. I’m going to trust what the kid said. I think we’re alright.”
From Birkett’s perspective, trusting Arnold did not prevent the Lions from making an additional move at the position.
That is where his criticism lands.
Lions Added Depth, But Not a Clear Replacement
Detroit did make several additions to its secondary.
The Lions signed Roger McCreary, brought back Rock Ya-Sin and selected Keith Abney in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Each move gave defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard another option.
Birkett does not appear to view those additions as enough to fully stabilize the room.
McCreary has moved around during his NFL career and has experience playing in the slot. Ya-Sin offers veteran experience, but he was initially viewed more as a depth piece than a replacement for a former first-round pick.
Abney may eventually develop into an important contributor. Expecting a fifth-round rookie to immediately solve a starting cornerback concern would be a considerable challenge.
The 2026 draft class was viewed as deep at cornerback, yet Detroit addressed other positions before selecting Abney.
Birkett believes the Lions could have used free agency or an earlier draft pick to add another player capable of competing for a major role.
Birkett Separates Arnold’s Talent From His Production
Birkett also pushed back against the idea that Arnold had already established himself as Detroit’s unquestioned No. 1 cornerback.
“Let’s not pretend like Terrion Arnold, even though he was the first-round pick, was was some number one cornerback that was ultimately going be the biggest hindrance to this defense losing him. He was the most talented cornerback on the roster, but he wasn’t the best cornerback,” Birkett added. “And so, I think the Lions could have done more, should have done more way back in free agency, potentially the draft just to bolster that room in general. …”
That distinction matters when evaluating the current situation.
Arnold’s departure did not remove a proven All-Pro cornerback from Detroit’s defense. It removed a talented young player the Lions believed could eventually become one.
There was still projection involved.
The Lions were counting on Arnold’s athletic ability, experience and first-round pedigree translating into a larger role. Without him, Detroit must determine whether its remaining options can provide consistent production.
Birkett’s argument is not simply that Detroit needed to replace Arnold’s previous performance. It is that the Lions should have strengthened the position regardless of how Arnold’s legal situation developed.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.’s Health Adds Another Question
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is one of the players who could benefit from the opening.
The former second-round pick has dealt with injuries early in his NFL career, limiting his ability to secure a consistent role in Detroit’s secondary. His talent remains intriguing, but the Lions still need to learn whether he can stay healthy and handle an expanded workload.
Birkett pointed to Rakestraw’s uncertainty as another reason Detroit could have added more insurance.
“I do think the Lions are a little bit thin at that position,” Birkett said. “I would have liked to have seen them do more, given Terrion’s legal status and obviously not knowing exactly what Ennis Rakestraw is going to be or how healthy he is going to be.”
D.J. Reed also enters the season after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. Detroit may be comfortable with its options, but several of those options come with questions involving health, experience or role.
That creates one of the most important competitions of Lions training camp.
Detroit Will Get a Fast Answer During Training Camp
The Lions now need their remaining cornerbacks to turn opportunity into production.
Rakestraw could emerge as a starter. Ya-Sin may prove capable of handling a larger role. McCreary could bring versatility to the secondary, while Abney may develop faster than expected.
Detroit’s coaching staff has earned a reputation for finding roles that fit its players. The Lions have also shown a willingness to trust internal development rather than chase high-priced veterans.
Birkett’s comments raise a fair roster-building question: Did Detroit leave itself with too many uncertain outcomes at one position?
The answer will begin to take shape once camp practices start and the Lions determine which cornerbacks can hold up on the outside.
Bottom Line
Dave Birkett believes the Detroit Lions should have done more to prepare for the possibility of losing Terrion Arnold.
His criticism focuses on Detroit’s offseason planning, not whether the organization was right or wrong to publicly support Arnold before his legal situation developed further.
The Lions added several cornerbacks, but they did not acquire an obvious replacement with proven No. 1 ability. Detroit is now relying on a combination of veterans, developing players and former draft picks to stabilize the position.
Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell may believe that group is good enough.
Training camp will show whether their confidence was justified.
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