Detroit Lions‘ general manager Brad Holmes and his team have made significant strides in strengthening their roster during the offseason. However, there remain some notable concerns, particularly at the safety position.
The Lions are bringing back last season’s starters, Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu. However, Joseph is recovering from offseason hip surgery, and Melifonwu has a history of injuries.
Compounding these worries is the absence of Brian Branch, the team’s insurance policy at safety, who will be sidelined until at least training camp due to a foot issue, further complicating matters, especially in the slot position.
While the recent signing of C.J. Moore provides some depth, he’s primarily valued for his contributions on special teams rather than in the defensive lineup.
NFL analyst Matt Holder from Bleacher Report suggests that the Lions should consider adding another safety, specifically advocating for the acquisition of former San Francisco 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. Holder points out that Joseph’s coverage grade from Pro Football Focus last season was relatively low at 52.3, making safety a notable concern for the Lions. In contrast, Gipson boasts a higher grade of 73.5 and brings invaluable veteran experience to mentor Detroit’s young secondary.
Moreover, Gipson’s playoff experience over the past two seasons with the 49ers could prove invaluable, offering leadership and competition to elevate Joseph’s performance.
While head coach Dan Campbell had previously hinted at the possibility of bolstering the safety position earlier in the offseason, the signing of Moore may have altered the team’s plans. Nonetheless, Gipson’s impressive coverage statistics from 2023, including a low completion percentage and passer rating allowed, underscore his potential value to the Lions.
Although Gipson may not represent a statistical upgrade over Joseph and Melifonwu, his addition would provide a significant insurance policy for a position fraught with uncertainties. Additionally, his wealth of experience and past success in reaching the Super Bowl align with the Lions’ aspirations for the upcoming season.
