Rasul Douglas Likely to Depart Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions Eyeing Cornerback’s Services

Veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas, who has been a steady presence on the Buffalo Bills’ defense for over a season, may be on the move as he remains unsigned amid the 2025 NFL free agency period. Despite the Bills having a glaring need for a strong second cornerback opposite Christian Benford, they have not re-signed Douglas, and the free agent appears set to play elsewhere in 2025.

Douglas joined the Bills in the middle of the 2023 season and quickly made an impact, impressing coaches and fans alike with his ability to shut down receivers. However, his performance took a dip in the 2024 season. According to statistics, he allowed a completion rate of 72.9% and a passer rating of 122 when targeted. Despite these struggles, Douglas remains a valuable asset on the market for teams looking to bolster their secondary depth.

In a recent article projecting potential landing spots for top remaining free agents, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox highlighted the Detroit Lions as a team that should take a serious look at Douglas. The Lions, who have made several significant additions to their cornerback room this offseason, including D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin, could still benefit from further strengthening their defense. The Lions lost key cornerback Carlton Davis to the New England Patriots, and while Reed has been brought in to help stabilize the secondary, Detroit’s defensive depth was a concern in 2024, and additional reinforcements might still be necessary.

Knox noted that while Detroit’s cornerback room has been revamped with veteran talent, adding someone like Douglas could further solidify the position. Given the Lions’ defensive struggles last season, they may opt to add another experienced player like Douglas to bring more stability and competitiveness to their secondary.

On the other hand, the Bills, who are operating under tight salary cap constraints, might find it challenging to bring back Douglas. Buffalo currently has just $2.2 million in available cap space, which complicates any potential re-signing. While there is still a possibility the Bills could work out a deal, signing anyone, including Douglas, seems unlikely unless they can free up more cap space.

While Douglas’ 2024 performance may not have been up to his previous standards, his veteran experience and ability to contribute to a team in need of depth at cornerback make him an attractive option for teams like the Detroit Lions. As the offseason continues to unfold, it remains to be seen where Douglas will land, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that his time with the Buffalo Bills could be coming to an end.