However, the move doesn’t help the Lions directly at the cornerback position, which is an area of greater and longer-term concern with regards to depth. As such, Detroit likely isn’t done adding to the secondary, and Douglas provides a reasonable solution.
A lot of names have been mentioned since Brian Branch was suspended. What do you think about the Bills’ $27 million DB?
Posted October 16, 2025
The Detroit Lions will play against one of the NFL’s best offenses when they square off with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Monday Night Football” on October 20 — and Detroit will do so without three of its regular starters in the secondary.
The Lions won’t have cornerbacks Terrion Arnold, who is out with a shoulder injury, or D.J. Reed, who is on IR with a hamstring stain. Safety Brian Branch will also miss the contest due to a one-game suspension without pay from the league after he started a fight with Kansas City Chiefs players following Detroit’s game there on Sunday night, October 12.
And while Branch is just out one contest, and the Lions have a bye following the game against the Bucs that might allow Arnold a chance to return to the field after missing just one more outing, Detroit’s secondary could clearly use reinforcements.
As such, Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus mentioned the Lions as a top potential trade partner for cornerback Rasul Douglas, currently of the Miami Dolphins.
“Douglas didn’t sign with the Dolphins until late August, which was surprising given his pedigree. As it turns out, there are likely a myriad of teams that would have liked to have added Douglas earlier based on his play in 2025,”
Locker wrote. “Douglas has posted a 77.9 PFF coverage grade with three pass breakups across 161 coverage snaps, looking more like the standout player we saw in 2023. At 1-5 and with persistent locker room turmoil, Miami will likely have a “for sale” sign up. The 30-year-old rental could help [several teams].”
Rasul Douglas Well Respected as Player, Teammate Across Multiple NFL Stops
Douglas, now 31 years old, is a nine-year NFL veteran. He began his career with the Philadelphia Eagles and then played one season with the Carolina Panthers before landing with the Green Bay Packers.
The cornerback played two-plus years with Green Bay and signed a three-year deal worth $21 million to stay with the Packers in March 2022. The franchise ended up trading him to the Buffalo Bills ahead of the 2023 mid-season trade deadline, where Douglas remained through the end of last year.
All told, Douglas has earned just shy of $27 million in his professional career and teammates across multiple stops have lauded him as a locker room leader. He has tallied 83 pass breakups, 19 INTs, four forced fumbles, three sacks and three defensive TDs across 126 games played (84 starts).
Lions Add Former Chiefs Safety to Roster to Bolster Hampered Secondary
The Lions addressed the secondary to some degree on Wednesday night, adding Jammie Robinson via the Kansas City practice squad.
“The Lions are signing DB Jammie Robinson to a one-year deal, per source,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported via X. “Was with Kansas City’s practice squad previously. Detroit depleted in secondary.”
BREAKING: Jakobi Meyers Joins the Carolina Panthers in Major Trade
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have officially acquired wide receiver Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders, bolstering their receiving corps and giving rookie quarterback Bryce Young a much-needed veteran presence. The trade, which is set to reshape the Panthers' offense, marks a significant step forward in the team’s playoff aspirations.
Panthers Make a Bold Move
After a rocky start to the 2025 season, the Panthers have found themselves in the midst of a surprising resurgence. With a 3-3 record and two consecutive victories under their belt, Carolina is no longer just looking to rebuild—they’re aiming to contend. The addition of Meyers is a clear indication that the Panthers are ready to go all-in on supporting Bryce Young's development as their franchise quarterback.
Meyers, who has been with the Raiders since 2023, has shown consistent production despite a less-than-ideal quarterback situation in Las Vegas. This season alone, the 28-year-old receiver has already posted 329 receiving yards in just six games. His ability to perform year in and year out, particularly in a tough environment, made him an attractive target for the Panthers.
A Veteran Presence for Bryce Young
For Carolina, the move to acquire Meyers couldn’t have come at a better time. Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been a bright spot in the offense, but the Panthers needed more consistency from their receiving group. While McMillan’s potential is undeniable, the addition of a proven veteran like Meyers will give Young a reliable target as he continues to adjust to the speed of the NFL.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin noted that Meyers’ experience is invaluable, providing a steady hand to complement McMillan’s explosive playmaking. “Meyers is a reliable receiver, capable of thriving in challenging situations, and his addition will take pressure off Bryce Young,” Benjamin said. Meyers’ ability to provide a safety net for Young is a major reason why the Panthers made this move.
A Strategic Fit for the Panthers’ Offense
Meyers' skill set is a perfect match for the Panthers’ needs. Known for his route-running precision and consistency, Meyers brings a dimension to the Panthers' offense that was missing—an experienced, dependable target. His addition will also help to open things up for McMillan, who can now focus on making plays downfield without having to carry the entire weight of the passing game.
The Panthers’ offense has struggled at times, but with the emergence of McMillan and the steadying influence of Meyers, the team now has a formidable duo that can threaten opposing defenses on multiple fronts.
What the Panthers Gave Up
In exchange for Meyers, the Panthers have reportedly sent a fourth-round pick to the Raiders. There was also talk of including wide receiver Xavier Legette in the package, although final terms remain undisclosed. Given that Meyers is in the final year of his contract, Carolina also holds the opportunity to negotiate a long-term deal and solidify his place in the offense for the future.
A New Chapter for Jakobi Meyers
Meyers, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the Raiders following failed contract negotiations, now gets the fresh start he was looking for in Carolina. With the Panthers making a push for the playoffs, Meyers will have the opportunity to contribute immediately and help turn the tide for a team on the rise.
As the Panthers move forward in their pursuit of postseason glory, the addition of Jakobi Meyers could prove to be the key to unlocking Bryce Young’s full potential. With his blend of experience, skill, and consistency, Meyers is poised to make a significant impact in the second half of the season, helping the Panthers continue their climb in the NFC standings.
What’s Next for the Panthers?
With Meyers now in the fold, the Panthers will likely shift their focus toward maximizing their new-look offense. The team will need to integrate Meyers quickly to ensure that he and Young develop chemistry, but with the season heating up, there’s no time to waste. As Carolina prepares for the upcoming stretch of games, this trade could mark the turning point in what has already been an exciting season.
