The Detroit Lions are associated with veteran safety Marcus Williams to add essential depth behind Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Is a reunion with Dan Campbell on the horizon?
After achieving the best regular season in the franchise’s history, the Detroit Lions took significant actions to improve one of their main weaknesses—pass defense. Having allowed close to 250 passing yards per game (the second worst in the NFL in 2024), Brad Holmes and his team weren’t planning to continue with the same group.
In the offseason, the Lions acquired D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin—a group that adds significant toughness, adaptability, and potential.
However, in terms of safety, this offseason has been relatively calm.
The Lions secured Kerby Joseph with a five-year, $85 million contract—rightfully deserved following his impressive performance in 2024. Brian Branch, who shifted to a full-time safety position and earned a Pro Bowl selection, is secured in the other starting role. That pair is among the top in the NFC.
Yet behind them? It quickly becomes unstable.
Depending on Novices Is Hazardous Endeavor
If training camp commenced today, the Lions’ primary reserves at safety would be 2025 seventh-round pick Dan Jackson and second-year undrafted free agent Morice Norris.
Both athletes are captivating, yet untested. Given Branch’s physical style of play and Joseph’s high snap count, it’s quite possible that one or both may miss some time at some stage.
This is why Jeremy Reisman from Pride of Detroit recommends a sensible insurance option: seasoned safety Marcus Williams.
“I think the Lions could benefit from having a veteran in the safety position, not just to offer essential experience behind their two starters but also to assist in bringing rookie Dan Jackson up to speed,” said Reisman.
Reasons Marcus Williams is a Good Fit for Detroit
Williams fulfills many criteria.
He has participated in 106 NFL games, offers playoff experience, and possesses a history as an intelligent, ball-hunting safety. However, the actual link is with the Lions’ decision-makers. He spent five seasons in New Orleans, directly sharing four of them with Dan Campbell.
That knowledge of the system—and the culture—might allow Williams to be an immediate backup while also serving as a mentor.
“Williams possesses five years of experience in this defensive scheme from his tenure with the Saints—four of which coincided directly with Dan Campbell’s period in New Orleans,” Reisman noted.
The drawback? Williams could be seeking a starting position and hasn’t participated in important special teams plays since 2018. However, if he’s open to accepting a rotational position for a team aiming for the Super Bowl, Detroit would be an ideal place for him.
The Final Point
The safety duo of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph for the Lions is outstanding—but every championship team requires backup options behind its key players.
With a rookie in Dan Jackson and a developing Norris behind him, Detroit could gain from the stabilizing veteran presence of Marcus Williams. He is familiar with the plan, comprehends Campbell’s expectations, and might be the key to a successful playoff journey or catastrophe if injuries occur.
If the Lions aim to safeguard their Super Bowl opportunity, bringing in an experienced veteran at safety could be the most strategic option still available.
