CB Roger McCreary signs deal with Detroit Lions to bolster secondary

With several key defensive backs returning from injuries, the Lions add depth and experience to their secondary.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:57pm

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The Detroit Lions have agreed to a one-year contract with former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Roger McCreary. McCreary, a 2022 second-round pick by the Tennessee Titans, will provide depth and experience to a Lions secondary that has several starters coming off season-ending injuries, including cornerback Terrion Arnold and safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.

Why it matters

The Lions' secondary was hit hard by injuries last season, and the addition of McCreary gives them more options and veteran leadership as they look to improve on defense. With questions surrounding the availability of Arnold due to an off-field incident, McCreary's signing provides important insurance and competition at the cornerback position.

The details

McCreary, 26, started 11 games for the Titans in 2023 but saw his playing time decrease in each of the past two seasons. He was traded to the Rams at the 2025 trade deadline. In Detroit, he will compete for a starting job or significant playing time in a secondary that includes D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Kerby Joseph, and Brian Branch - all of whom are returning from injuries. The Lions also signed defensive back Christian Izien earlier in free agency to add depth.

  • The Lions agreed to the one-year deal with McCreary on March 13, 2026.
  • McCreary was traded from the Titans to the Rams at the 2025 NFL trade deadline.

The players

Roger McCreary

A 26-year-old cornerback who was a second-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 and spent last season with the Los Angeles Rams.

Terrion Arnold

A Lions cornerback who is returning from a season-ending injury and is also the subject of a police investigation in Florida that could impact his availability.

Kerby Joseph

A Lions safety who is returning from a season-ending injury.

Brian Branch

A Lions safety who is returning from a season-ending injury.

Christian Izien

A defensive back signed by the Lions earlier in free agency who can play slot cornerback or safety.

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What they’re saying

“With Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw coming off injuries, the Detroit Lions have focused on addressing their secondary.”

— Dave Birkett, Author (freep.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case involving Terrion Arnold will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail, which could impact his availability for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Lions' secondary was decimated by injuries last year, and the addition of veteran cornerback Roger McCreary provides important depth and experience as the team looks to shore up its defense. However, the status of Terrion Arnold remains uncertain due to an off-field incident, underscoring the importance of McCreary's signing and the continued need for the Lions to address their defensive backfield.