With the release of Chris Houston last week the Lions’ ever growing need for a corner intensified especially after not really addressing the secondary during this past draft. Detroit however could remedy the problem with another recently released corner in Brandon Flowers who like Houston was let go from his contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to preliminary reports, the Lions among a handful of teams have already reached out to the free agent corner about his services heading into next season.
Ten NFL teams, including Ravens, Vikings, Falcons, Lions, reached out to Brandon Flowers so far. In preliminary stage, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 16, 2014
Despite having a down year last year in terms of his own production, Flowers still made the Pro Bowl and was able to accumulate a +35.5 coverage grade in the last five seasons which is the 5th highest among corners. Simply said the Lions could do worse as the 28-year old Flowers would probably come in and be the team’s No. 1 option out wide on defense.
However there are drawbacks that could pose some serious problems for Lions when it comes to signing Flowers.
First there’s always the money issues. Lets not forget this is a team still pretty hellbent on getting Ndamukong Suh signed to a long-term deal which will probably go for big money. Second, Flowers is only 5’9″ and was shifted to nickel last season for the Chiefs in obvious passing situations. Third, because of his 5’9″ frame, Flowers had trouble with the Chiefs’ new defensive scheme that required him to go one-on-one with bigger and more physical receivers, something the NFC North has plenty of.
Either way there’s no harm in the Lions doing their home work on Flowers, just don’t expect this to be an instant fix for an already very questionable secondary.
