The Detroit Lions have yet to discover a long-term solution at cornerback. But this offseason, the organization could find one at least for the time being in veteran Jamel Dean.

That’s what NFL insider Greg Auman projected to happen in his 2026 NFL free agency primer released on February 11.

Auman predicted the Lions to sign Dean this March.

“Dean, 29, had one of the league’s more remarkable seasons, agreeing to an $8 million pay cut to stay in Tampa, then having a huge season with three interceptions and two forced fumbles,” Auman wrote. “Pro Football Focus loves him, rating him as the NFL’s No. 5 cornerback for 2025 and ranking him as the No. 5 overall free agent at any position.

“He could draw his old Bucs salary of $12 million a year as a free agent, but he’s only played for Todd Bowles in Tampa and likes it there, so there’s no telling what he’ll do.”

Dean is coming off a very strong seventh season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He posted nine pass defenses with three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Dean also had 46 combined tackles with two quarterback hits and two forced fumbles.

Among cornerbacks who played at least 50% of his team’s defensive snaps, Dean finished with the fourth-best PFF player grade.

PFF has Dean ranked as the best available free agent cornerback for the upcoming offseason.