Sports

NFC rival's training camp twist could hand the Lions a perfect opportunity

SideLion Report · Jul 22, 2026 19:00 · 3 min read

NFC rival's training camp twist could hand the Lions a perfect opportunity — Detroit Lions executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes, left, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell head off the practice field at the team's training facility in Allen Park on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

With Day 1 of training camp around the corner, the Detroit Lions have a new addition to their list of potential trade targets.

The Detroit Lions' secondary had a good bit of questions before cornerback Terrion Arnold's legal troubles and corresponding release. There is just enough depth in place to suggest going with who is already on the roster at cornerback could work out, but there is also a lot of fingers-crossed projection.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes likely isn't going to make a major move for a cornerback unless an injury in training camp forces his hand. If anyone is going to talk themselves into thinking what is already in place is good enough, it will be him, and he won't be easily moved off that thought.

That said, Holmes would not be doing his job properly if he didn't have an ear to the ground regarding potential cornerback additions. Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official website, in his pre-training camp look at the team's cornerbacks, suggested an addition wouldn't be surprising between now and Week 1:

"The Arnold release hurts Detroit's depth at the position. It wouldn't be surprising if Holmes ultimately looks to add to the position before the start of the regular season."

In a look at the San Francisco 49ers' secondary ($) heading into training camp, Cam Inman of the Mercury News believes cornerback Renardo Green is feeling the heat.

Put two and two together, and the Lions have a name to watch on their hands in Green.

49ers CB Renardo Green may quietly be emerging as a trade target for the Lions

Green has a lot to prove this summer and might have a short leash if Inman's assessment is any indication. The 49ers appear to be souring on the Florida State product, presenting Detroit with a possible chance to strike.

"Although Renardo Green became a starter midway through his 2024 rookie season, he was pulled briefly in last season’s playoff finale and frustrated coaches last year, fueling speculation he might get traded," Inman wrote. "So he enters camp on the hot seat, with just one career interception."

Having just one career interception, in light of the 49ers having just six as a team last season, is seen as something to make Green's status as a starter tenuous. Pro Football Focus (PFF) was also not complimentary of his work last season, grading him out 88th among 112 qualifying cornerbacks. He recorded 10 pass breakups and allowed just an 80.0 passer rating in coverage, however.

As a rookie in 2024, after San Francisco spent a second-round pick on him, Green was PFF's No. 36-graded cornerback. He has at least 60 tackles in each of his two seasons, with a total of seven missed tackles (a 5.5 percent missed tackle rate).

What Green did last season to "frustrate coaches," as Inman put it, is unclear. But if the 49ers are sufficiently disillusioned, with head coach Kyle Shanahan giving him an earful on the sideline during the aforementioned playoff game as evidence before training camp, maybe he can be acquired at a nice discount relative to his ability.

Discount, you say? That would be music to Holmes' ears, since he values draft capital (unless he's making trades up to take project players) like it's water during a walk through the desert.

Regardless, Green should be added to the list of potential cornerback additions for the Lions. The question is whether such a list even exists in the offices at Allen Park.