Even before news broke about Terrion Arnold’s potentially season-ending injury, the Detroit Lions had reportedly been exploring options to bolster their cornerback depth. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, Detroit is among five teams showing interest in free-agent cornerback , along with the 49ers, Ravens, Dolphins, and Colts.
Hawkins is currently recovering from a hamstring injury suffered during New York Giants training camp earlier this year. His exact recovery status is unclear, but the Giants waived him from their injured reserve list on September 9.
A sixth-round pick by the Giants in 2023, Hawkins appeared in all 17 games as a rookie, starting three and playing defensive snaps in 10. He recorded 35 tackles, one pass breakup, and earned a 52.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. However, his 74.5 run defense grade stood out — an area the Lions prioritize in their cornerbacks.
Last season, Hawkins was active for just three games but managed to record his first career interception in Week 14 against the Saints.
Unfortunately for Hawkins, his promising rookie season was cut short after he suffered a lumbar spine injury in that same game, sidelining him for the rest of the year.
At 6-foot-3 with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, Hawkins brings an intriguing mix of youth (25 years old), size, athleticism, and physicality in run support. The key question now is when he’ll be healthy enough to return to action.
The Lions’ cornerback situation has become increasingly dire due to a string of injuries. They already lost 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw to a season-ending offseason injury. Just last week, No. 1 cornerback D.J. Reed was placed on injured reserve, and it now appears both Terrion Arnold and Khalil Dorsey will join him soon.
As it stands, Detroit has only three healthy cornerbacks on the active roster — Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, and Avonte Maddox. The team does have some additional depth on the practice squad, including Erik Hallett, Tre Flowers, and Nick Whiteside.