
CB · Detroit Lions
1 transaction this offseason
Height
5'11"
Weight
190 lbs
Age
26
College
Auburn
Draft
2022, Rd 2, #35
Experience
4 yrs
CB Rank
#187 / 288
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | INT | PD | Tkl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 61 | 3 | 17 | 257 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 14 | 1 | 2 | 37 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 15 | 0 | 1 | 50 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 15 |
Length
1 year
Total Value
$1.4M
Guaranteed
$988K
AAV
$1.4M/yr
The Lions secured solid value by landing Roger McCreary on a prove-it deal that earns a B- CVI, representing fair compensation for a rotational cornerback with upside potential. At just $1.4M AAV, Detroit is paying appropriate money for a player who profiles as a reliable third corner and special teams contributor, with the contract structure heavily favoring the team through minimal guaranteed money and a short-term commitment. McCreary's youth and previous flashes suggest he could outperform this modest investment if he captures a larger role in Aaron Glenn's secondary, making this the type of low-risk, high-reward signing that championship contenders need to execute. The $1.0M in guaranteed money provides enough security to show good faith while protecting Detroit from significant downside if McCreary fails to develop beyond his current rotational status. This deal reflects smart roster building—the Lions identified a player whose ceiling exceeds his current production tier and secured him at a price point that could deliver excellent return on investment if he takes the expected developmental leap. McCreary now has the perfect opportunity to prove he belongs as more than just a rotational piece in one of the NFL's most aggressive defensive systems.
Roger Mccreary grades as a depth piece among NFL cornerbacks — a below-average player at the position. His strongest area is tackling at 2.64 (below the NFL average of 3.00), ranking as below average for the position. Passes defended, at 0.14 compared to an NFL average of 0.49, is where he falls short relative to the position.
A smart depth addition as Detroit bolsters its cornerback room with a proven NFL starter. Five headlines covered the move, with reporters noting McCreary's Rams experience as a key selling point. The one-year deal structure signals low financial risk while giving McCreary a prove-it opportunity. Fans are cautiously optimistic, pointing to Detroit's need for reliable nickel and boundary depth. If McCreary stays healthy, he should contribute meaningfully as a rotational piece in Dan Campbell's defense.
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| 1 |
| 6 |
| 86 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 17 | 1 | 8 | 84 |
Updated Mar 18, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
F
2025
(50% weight)
F
2024
(30% weight)
C
2023
(20% weight)