Story perspectives

Lions’ secondary woes spur Dan Campbell cornerback trade talk

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 11:54 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Kelvin Sheppard Defends Play-Calling

Kelvin Sheppard defended his play-calling after Detroit’s 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
The Lions rank last in total and passing defense.
Detroit allows an NFL-worst 31.8 points per game, surrendering 1,695 yards in four games.
The defense recorded 15 sacks, second in the league.
Head coach Dan Campbell said the team must improve the secondary and may trade for a cornerback.

Summary

Sean McDermott Declines

Mark Duffner, Dom Capers and John Fox are cited as possible mentors for Kelvin Sheppard.
Jim Schwartz remains tied to Cleveland, limiting his availability for Detroit.
Sean McDermott publicly declined assistant roles, focusing on a head-coaching return.
Jim Nolan, a UFL champion coach with ties to Campbell from Miami and New Orleans, emerges as a candidate.
Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are on the PUP list, depleting the Lions’ secondary.

History

Historical Context

In 2000 the Baltimore Ravens set an NFL record by allowing only 165 points and forcing 49 turnovers, a defense that propelled a 12-4 season and a Super Bowl XXXV win. That turnaround—from a five-game touchdown drought to a championship—became a template for struggling units. Detroit’s 2024 Lions, conceding 31.8 points per game, cite the Ravens’ 2000 revival as a model.

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Kelvin Sheppard Defends Play-Calling

Kelvin Sheppard defended his play-calling after Detroit’s 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
The Lions rank last in total and passing defense.
Detroit allows an NFL-worst 31.8 points per game, surrendering 1,695 yards in four games.
The defense recorded 15 sacks, second in the league.
Head coach Dan Campbell said the team must improve the secondary and may trade for a cornerback.

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