Lions-Panthers trade proposal clears the way for Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to start

The Detroit Lions have a pretty crowded situation at cornerback entering the 2025 season, and that has led some to believe the team could make a trade.

The Lions have Terrion Arnold and free-agent acquisition D.J. Reed locked into the two spots on the boundary, but there could be two candidates for the slot cornerback job in veteran Amik Robertson and 2024 second-round pick, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

While there is zero evidence the Lions are willing to trade him, speculation has run rampant that Robertson, who is in the final year of his contract, could get dealt to clear the way for the Missouri product.

One analyst speculating about such a trade is Panthers Wire’s Anthony Rizzuti, who recently named Robertson as a possible trade target for the Carolina Panthers.

“Robertson could also appeal as an option at the nickel spot,” Rizzuti explained. “The sixth-year veteran, who is expected to be ready for Week 1 after breaking his arm in the playoffs, is entering the final season of his contract and could face some competition from 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr.”