PFF names Detroit Lions as potential trade fits for pair of CBs
PFF named two cornerbacks that the Lions could acquire in a trade to mend its leaky secondary.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has suggested the Detroit Lions could acquire cornerback Zyon McCollum from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Brandon Stephens from the New York Jets to bolster their defensive secondary. The Lions' defense has been a major concern, with the Carolina Panthers recently exposing their vulnerabilities.
McCollum had a strong start to the 2024 season but has since seen a decline in his production. In his first four games of 2026, McCollum's coverage grade was only 58.3, although his passer rating against (80.4) and forced incompletion rate (13.3%) were at least in the 60th percentile. McCollum's contract extension, a three-year, $48 million deal, suggests the Buccaneers might be open to trading him.
The Steelers could reunite McCollum with defensive coordinator Jamel Dean, while Detroit could benefit from his talent, especially in man coverage.
New York Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens has emerged as an effective cornerback since joining the team last offseason. His overall PFF grade of 70.2 ranks 14th among 40 qualified corners. Stephens' coverage has improved this year, with a 74.4 PFF mark, ranking ninth at the position. With the Jets' 1-3 record, general manager Darren Mougey may be open to trading Stephens, who is a 2028 free agent.
Detroit and Pittsburgh could show interest, while Chicago and Cincinnati might be enticed by Stephens' excellent man coverage grade of 88.7.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
