Lions Trade Sixth-Rounder for Safety Andre Cisco

The Detroit Lions sent a 2028 sixth-round pick to the New York Jets on Monday in exchange for safety Andre Cisco. The transaction brings the veteran defender to Detroit just in time for the trade deadline.

Cisco, who was originally selected in the third round of the 2021 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, is on an expiring contract. He has started 59 games in his career. This season, he has started four games out of nine for New York.

His role with the Jets has diminished recently. After recording a sack and six tackles in a Week 3 loss to Detroit, Cisco played only 22 defensive snaps over the following six games. The Lions defeated the Jets 31-24 in that earlier matchup.

The move creates depth at the safety position, though the Lions' biggest defensive need was widely considered to be cornerback. The secondary has struggled at points this year, but the issues have largely been attributed to the cornerbacks. Adding another safety may be puzzling on the surface given the team's current roster status.

Injuries have depleted the safety group earlier in the season. Avonte Maddox is out for the year. Brian Branch has played in three games since returning from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Kerby Joseph is in his second full week of practices and could be activated within the next two weeks. Thomas Harper, who has been out since before Week 3, may also be on track to return soon.

The addition of Cisco could allow the coaching staff to ease Joseph back into the lineup. It also provides options for other positions. Cisco has limited experience at nickel cornerback, playing just six snaps in that role this year according to Pro Football Focus. He could also serve as a sub linebacker in certain packages, pairing with Branch, Chuck Clark, or Joseph when he returns.

There are existing connections between Cisco and the Lions staff. Cornerbacks coach Deshea Townsend worked with Cisco on the Jaguars' staff from 2022 to 2023. The Lions' defensive philosophy under coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is also heavily influenced by Aaron Glenn, who is now the Jets' head coach. This shared background may help Cisco integrate quickly.

The timeline for his debut is uncertain. The Jets do not have a bye until Week 13, meaning Cisco would log 18 games if he played every remaining game in Detroit. The Lions travel to Germany to face the New England Patriots this week. If head coach Dan Campbell does not want to rush the move, Cisco might not play until next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The trade is viewed as low-risk but does not solve all defensive issues. Detroit still needs help at cornerback or possibly at linebacker, especially with Jack Campbell out. The move adds a player who fits the profile of veterans the Lions have targeted in past trades, creating a crowded group at safety if everyone returns to health.