After being a significant player in trade talks for Joey Porter Jr—but ultimately missing out—the Detroit Lions must go back to the drawing board if they want to upgrade their struggling secondary.
Last week, we offered our own suggestions for Lions general manager Brad Holmes to consider. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler offered up two more trade targets Detroit should consider.
“One potential option is Kansas City’s Kristian Fulton, who has been in and out of the Chiefs’ lineup,” Fowler wrote. “He’s owed real money — $5 million of his $9.75 million base salary is guaranteed — but maybe the Chiefs and Lions can split the bill to facilitate a deal. Is it worth calling Pittsburgh for Jalen Ramsey? Not sure he’ll be available, but the Lions’ defense seems far from fixed.”
Let’s touch on them one by one.
Fulton was the Titans’ second-round pick in 2020. After starting 37 games over four years at Tennessee, he signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in 2024. There, he had a strong season: 51 tackles, seven passes defensed, an interception, and a 68.9 PFF grade, ranking him 32nd qualifying cornerback out of 80.
Fulton parlayed that success into a two-year, $20 million deal with the Chiefs last year, but it turned out to be a disappointing year for him. A knee injury kept him out of most of the offseason program, he suffered an ankle injury in Week 2, and then lost his job. He was a healthy scratch for about a third of the season, playing in just eight games and starting two.
This year, Fulton has played more, but is not a full-time player. He logged 115 defensive snaps in four games, including a Week 3 contest against the Dolphins in which he did not play a snap for reasons that are unclear. Despite the part-time gig, Fulton succeeded. He produced a 76.0 overall PFF grade and a 76.4 grade in coverage. He was targeted eight times and allowed just four catches for 19 yards and an interception—though he did have two penalties.
Fulton’s use is certainly odd, but it could suggest the Chiefs are ready to move on. Fulton is a physical, athletic cornerback with average size (5-foot-11, 197 pounds) and acceptable speed (4.46 40-yard dash).
As for Ramsey, his history of success is well documented. Since entering the league in 2016, he is an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. He turns 32 later this month and is certainly not in the prime of his career, but he still continues to produce at a strong level. From 2024-25, he made 148 tackles, 19 pass breakups and three interceptions.
But if you’re hoping that will help the Lions’ outside cornerback situation, he might not be the guy you’re looking for. Ramsey has played mostly nickel corner or safety with the Steelers this year—a transition he’s been making for the past two seasons. Could the Lions still use help at those positions? Absolutely. But if you want an upgrade on the perimeter, Ramsey probably isn’t the answer.
When it comes to finances, Ramsey won’t be cheap. He’s currently carrying a $17.5 million salary—and that number jumps to $19.7 in 2027 and $22 million in 2028—so it’s likely a one-year rental for Detroit.