Lions add more depth at cornerback, inking Detroit native Avonte Maddox
The Lions signed a third cornerback in 24 hours, bringing on Detroit native Avonte Maddox on Friday.
Maddox, who starred at Martin Luther King High School, went on to play four years at the University of Pittsburgh. After recording eight interceptions across his final three seasons at the school, he measured well during the pre-draft process, running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and posting elite results for his position in the agility drills and broad jump.
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Maddox in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft. He’s spent all seven years of his pro career with the franchise, appearing in 81 games, including 41 starts.
Logging more than 3,000 defensive snaps during his career, Maddox has seen more than twice as many reps in the slot compared to outside. In fact, he’s barely played on the outside since the 2021 season.
Maddox has also been a factor on special teams for the Eagles, seeing a career-high 193 snaps with those units last season, primarily working on kickoff coverage and return and punt return.
Detroit has been busy at cornerback this offseason, signing D.J. Reed to a three-year, $48 million deal to replace Carlton Davis III in the starting lineup. In terms of depth, the team signed Rock-Ya Sin and re-signed Khalil Dorsey on Thursday. The new additions effectively replace Kindle Vildor, who signed with Tampa Bay last week, and Emmanuel Moseley, who remains a free agent.
I just keep thinking about that elephant in the room, a pass rusher that will be a difference maker...
Looks to be another good depth addition. Seems to be a possible upgrade over KV. He's had better seasons than 2024. He's another shorter, scrappier kind of CB.