3 potential Detroit Lions trade targets to boost struggling secondary

September 22, 2026

Two games into this season, Detroit‘s secondary has emerged as the team’s most glaring weakness. The Lions allowed over 400 passing yards against New Orleans and Josh Allen torched the unit on Thursday with three passing touchdowns of his own, including a 43-yard bomb resulting from a busted coverage.

Injuries have been the main story for this group as Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph remain on the PUP list and Avonte Maddox suffered a season-ending foot injury in Buffalo. There’s no need for the Lions to spiral into a full-blown panic after just two games, but the early returns have exposed a lack of proven depth behind their injured starters.

Detroit still has postseason aspirations, so waiting for the secondary to get healthy could be a risky play given how competitive the NFC North is this season. Adding another capable defensive back would provide immediate relief, while adding depth until Branch and Joseph return.

Should general manager Brad Holmes conclude a trade is necessary to improve the Lions‘ defense, these three cornerbacks make sense to monitor:

Porter is easily the biggest and most obvious name. Pittsburgh has reportedly listened to offers for the former second-round pick as contract negotiations were unsuccessful. The Lions are said to have contacted the Steelers about Porter’s availability. Adding a player like Porter opposite D.J. Reed could immediately elevate the secondary, although he may come at a hefty cost.

If the Lions opt for a more affordable option, Banks is a former first-round pick who entered 2026 battling for reps in a crowded Giants secondary. New York added Greg Newsome and drafted Colton Hood this offseason. If the Giants are willing to move on from Banks, Detroit could bet on the 25-year-old’s upside.

Green is another young option worth exploring. San Francisco added Nate Hobbs, Jack Jones and rookie Ephesians Prysock to an already-loaded cornerback room. The 49ers refuted the idea that Green is available but their depth makes him an intriguing player for Holmes to inquire about.