The Detroit Lions are one of six teams with an NFL-best 4-1 record. The Lions currently lead the league in total points with 174 and total net points at 62. However, despite their success, the Lions are once again dealing with an onslaught of injuries to their defense. The cornerback position has been hit the hardest.
Already weakened by the preseason loss of Ennis Rakestraw, starting cornerbacks D.J Reed and Terrion Arnold suffered recent injuries that will keep them out of the lineup for the next several weeks. Veterans Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin take over the starting assignments with DB Avonte Maddox to provide added depth as needed.
Current UFL Players For The Detroit Lions
However, Detroit’s cornerback position is alarmingly thin and could present an opportunity for another spring footballer to make the roster. The Lions are currently looking to strengthen the position and are known to be one of the more UFL-friendly teams in the league, with kicker Jake Bates in his second year, and All-UFL Team running back Jacob Saylors as their kickoff return specialist.
Nick Whiteside -St Louis Battlehawks
After an impressive preseason tryout, the Lions just signed former St. Louis Battlehawks cornerback Nick Whiteside to the practice squad. This is actually Whiteside’s second NFL signing after making the Washington Commanders practice squad in 2023 as an undrafted free agent.
One of the dominant defensive players in Detroit’s preseason, Whiteside recorded 11 tackles and two PBRs. But a rough preseason finale against Houston, where he was heavily targeted and allowed seven receptions on eight targets for 94 yards, left lingering doubts about his readiness. During final cutdowns, Whiteside failed to make the 53-man roster. Now the 6’1” 200 lb. Auburn Hills, MI native returns, grateful for the opportunity and eager to make up for his previous lapse.
Additional UFL Cornerback Options For Detroit
In addition to elevating Whiteside from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, the UFL has several other cornerbacks who could add depth to the Lions’ CB position.
Deandre Baker –D.C. Defenders
One of the top cornerbacks in the league last season, Deandre Baker, made the All-UFL Team for 2024 and 2025. Last year, including the D.C. Defenders’ Championship postseason, Baker had 27 tackles (22 solo), five TFLs, two interceptions, and 12 PBRs. The 28-year-old, 5’11”, 190 lb. former Georgia Bulldog is originally from Miami, Florida.
Drafted by the New York Giants as a first-round pick (30th overall) in 2019, Baker also spent two seasons playing for the Kansas City Chiefs. During his combined three-year NFL tenure, Baker recorded 82 tackles (65 solo), 1.0 sacks, and ten pass deflections.
Kedrick Whitehead -Michigan Panthers
Kedrick Whitehead, a former UFL player already accustomed to winning games at Ford Field, might be an attractive option to the Lions. The former Michigan Panthers cornerback was named the 2025 UFL Special Teams Player of the Year. Along with being the “Iron Man” on special teams, Whitehead earned All-UFL Team honors as the Panthers’ cornerback with 66 tackles. Only 25 years old, the 5’10” 200 lb. former Delaware Fighting Hen is a talented athlete with high football IQ, playing multiple positions throughout his career, including safety, LB, and running back. During his collegiate career, he compiled 295 tackles and was a three-time captain. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL draft, Whitehead had a preseason tryout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When he didn’t make the roster, he signed the following March with the UFL Panthers.
Ajene Harris -Dallas (Arlington) Renegades
Another elite member of the 2024-2025 All-UFL Team cornerback standouts is former Arlington Renegades CB Ajene Harris. The 29-year-old Harris is a California native and played college football at USC. Last year, the multi-talented Harris led the Renegades’ defense with three interceptions, including a record-shattering 102-yard pick-six. Twice named the UFL Defensive Player of the Week in consecutive games last season, Harris finished the year with 46 tackles (36 solo), three interceptions, 12 PBRs, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. A force to be reckoned with, the 5’10” 181 lb. cornerback has the special teams skills the Lions look for with added experience as a kick returner.
Either of these talented cornerbacks would present an attractive option for the Lions. In addition to providing depth, any one of these players could become the next breakout spring football star to make a real impact in the NFL.
