Heading: Detroit Lions Safety Position Heading into the 2024 NFL Season
With the 2024 NFL season on the horizon, the Detroit Lions are facing critical decisions regarding their roster composition. One area of particular interest is the safety position, which is currently filled with competition and uncertainty. As the team navigates through the evaluation process to determine the final roster, fans are eagerly anticipating which safeties will secure their spots on the team.
The Detroit Lions had to make quick adjustments to their safety lineup early in the 2023 season. When Ceedy Duce suffered a torn pec in Week 2, Tracy Walker III initially stepped in alongside Kerby Joseph. However, Ifeatu Melifonwu emerged as a more effective option as the season progressed. Consequently, Duce moved on to the Philadelphia Eagles, and Walker was released, leaving the Lions with some uncertainty at the safety position. Despite this, the team has the flexibility to make necessary adjustments.
Kerby Joseph has showcased his talent by recording four interceptions in each of his first two seasons, making him a strong candidate to start in the backfield of Detroit’s defense. Although he is currently sidelined due to hip surgery, Joseph is expected to be ready for training camp. Additionally, Brian Branch, known for his versatility, is recovering from a procedure and aims to return for camp. Branch excelled as the team’s nickel cornerback in his rookie season and could transition to safety if needed. Despite missing offseason activities, Branch’s football IQ and versatility should enable him to seamlessly integrate back into the team upon his return.
Melifonwu’s impressive performance towards the end of the previous season positions him well to play a significant role in the Lions’ secondary. If he can demonstrate that his success last season was not a fluke, Melifonwu will be a key asset to Detroit’s defense. However, beyond these three players, the Lions may face more questions than answers as they finalize their roster after training camp.
Heading: Players on the Roster Bubble
One notable player on the roster bubble is C.J. Moore, who was previously a valuable contributor to Detroit’s special teams units. Moore was released before the 2023 season due to a one-year suspension for violating the league’s gambling policies. His track record suggests that he has the potential to earn a roster spot and contribute to both the defense and return units. Moore has expressed remorse for his actions in a recent media session, and the Lions have shown faith in him by reinstating him on the roster.
Brandon Joseph, a second-year player who appeared in two games for the Lions as a practice squad elevation last season, poses a potential challenge to Moore. He remained on the practice squad throughout the year and signed a futures contract, indicating the team’s interest in further evaluating his abilities. With Branch and Kerby Joseph sidelined, Brandon Joseph has been receiving first-team reps during practices.
Additionally, undrafted free agents Chelen Garnes and Loren Strickland are worth considering. Garnes, a hard-hitting product from Wake Forest, brings physicality to the position. On the other hand, Strickland offers versatility after gaining experience at cornerback during his college career. These young prospects add depth and competition to the safety group as the Lions finalize their roster for the upcoming season.