The Detroit Lions' pass defense was one of its biggest weaknesses going into the offseason, but general manager Brad Holmes dumped a ton of resources into the secondary with the hopes of improving things.
So far, that investment has led to fairly sizeable improvement. In 2023, Detroit gave up the sixth-most passing yards per contest with 247.4, but in 2024 that number has fallen to 216.7, ranking 19th in the NFL.
Despite the improvement on the back end, Bleacher Report's Matt Holder believes the Lions should look to add to the group, with the analyst suggesting a trade for Buffalo Bills cornerback, Kaiir Elam.
"Cornerback has been an issue for the Lions dating back to last season, and it's still one of the team's biggest weaknesses," Holder wrote. "Meanwhile, B/R's Kristopher Knox listed Elam as a trade candidate in this week's NFL Trade Block Big Board column.
"The third-year pro may not be the proven commodity the organization is hoping for, but that's primarily because he's been stuck behind Christian Benford. The 2022 first-round pick has plenty of talent to potentially contribute right away and be part of the long-term solution at corner."
If the Lions are going to make any trade right now, it should be for an edge rusher after the season-ending injury to Marcus Davenport. That said, let's talk about this particular trade idea involving Elam.
Elam hasn't played much this season, but he has been very effective when on the field. Per Pro Football Focus, Elam has yet to allow a completion in 15 coverage snaps, he's allowed a 39.6 passer rating when targeted and has one pass defensed, earning him an 88.3 coverage grade.
But in the previous two seasons, Elam's numbers didn't approach what he has done so far in 2024. He gave completion rates of 76.9% and 75.6%, and passer ratings of 109.5 and 98.9 the past two seasons.
His sample size is still relatively small, also, as the Florida product had just 16 career games (eight starts) combined under his belt entering 2024.
While Elam would be an intriguing addition thanks to his strong early start and his age (23), chances are the Lions aren't going to be looking to add to their secondary this early in the season, barring significant injuries.
Top backup Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has missed the last two games, but there hasn't been anything to indicate it's a long-term issue. The Lions also have a strong starting trio in Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson.
Not to mention, the Bills may have no interest in trading Elam at the moment as they have their sights set on competing for a division title after a 3-0 start.
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