The Detroit Lions have recently strengthened their secondary by signing cornerback Rachad Wildgoose.
Before their practice on August 21, the Lions announced Wildgoose’s addition. The 24-year-old cornerback, who previously played for the New York Jets and Washington Commanders, started three games in the 2022 season. Jeff Risdon from USA Today highlighted that this signing came just before the team’s last offseason practice and addressed a need on their roster.
Rachad Wildgoose Spent Time in NFL, UFL
Wildgoose entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2021 but did not make the final roster. He was subsequently picked up by the New York Jets. Over two NFL seasons, he has played in 20 games and recently participated in the United Football League with the Birmingham Stallions.
As Risdon pointed out, the Lions have been actively working to enhance their secondary and had an available spot on their roster to add Wildgoose. The team had previously signed Javelin Guidry and Essang Bassey and opened a spot on the 90-man roster by placing wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith and linebacker Malik Jefferson on injured reserve.
It remains uncertain whether Wildgoose will play in the Lions’ final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24.
This offseason, the Detroit Lions have made several significant moves to strengthen their secondary. They used their first-round draft pick to select Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold and their second-round pick on Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Additionally, they acquired veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a 2024 third-round draft pick.
The Lions also re-signed veteran cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, who had his 2023 season cut short by a torn ACL in his return game. Unfortunately, Moseley has now suffered a torn pectoral muscle and is expected to miss most of the 2024 season.
Lions Have New-Look Secondary for 2024
With these changes, Wildgoose might face a tough challenge securing a spot on the active roster, though his special teams experience from his time with the Commanders could give him an edge for a practice squad position.
Lions sign CB Rachad Wildgoose. https://t.co/m8b5QqFb7R
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 21, 2024
According to Christian Booher of SI.com, the secondary will face considerable pressure to improve after a disappointing performance in 2023. The Lions’ pass defense ranked 29th in passing yards allowed last season and struggled against top wide receivers like Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb.
Booher emphasized that despite the new additions, there is high pressure on these players to perform well from the start. The Lions are aiming for a Super Bowl appearance in 2024, and a notable improvement in their pass defense is crucial.
The secondary is still being finalized, with many positions up for grabs. Booher noted that while Davis is expected to be the top cornerback and Arnold the likely starter opposite him, every spot in the secondary remains open for competition, as the team operates on a merit-based system.
