For the second straight season, the Detroit Lions were bitten by the injury bug heavily. While the injuries all weren’t as severe as they were in 2024, plenty of players still missed time. A player who stepped in when someone went down in the defensive backfield was cornerback Rock Ya-Sin.
Ya-Sin was signed in free agency last year on a one-year deal for $1.17 million, and he gave the young cornerback room a veteran presence. But early on, Ya-Sin showed that he was more than just a veteran cornerback.
Let’s dive into Ya-Sin and see if he should be brought back or if the Lions should find younger replacements.
Previous Lions free agent profiles: DT DJ Reader, LB Malcolm Rodriguez, DB Avonte Maddox,
Rock Ya-Sin
Ever since finishing his rookie contract, Ya-Sin has bounced around the league. Detroit was the third one-year deal he signed, and the cheapest deal yet. Expectations were low for Ya-Sin as he was signed to help out the development of young cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. Outside of being a mentor, he could provide some help in case someone went down.
With so much competition at cornerback, it wasn’t clear if Ya-Sin would make the team, let alone see the field on gameday. Either way, the team was happy to have him be available in a pinch and, worst case, be a helpful player in practice and the film room.
Actual role in 2025
Note: PFF grades reflect a minimum 20% snaps at that position.
Season stats — 17 games (6 starts): 47 tackles, nine pass deflections
611 defensive snaps, 186 special teams snaps
PFF defensive grade: 64.7 (50th out of 121)
PFF run defense grade: 50.8 (35th out of 121)
PFF tackling grade: 81.0 (5th out of 121)
PFF pass rush grade: 60.3 (37th out of 121)
PFF coverage grade: 67.1 (41st out of 121)
PFF man coverage grade: 57 (43rd out of 120)
PFF zone coverage grade: 71 (43rd out of 120)
PFF special teams grade: 85.1
With the expectations to play cornerback, Ya-Sin turned some heads in training camp and the preseason when he was practicing and playing well at safety. This wasn’t a step down or the team not believing in his ability at cornerback, but they were playing with his skillset to see if he could do it. He proved he could, and while he only got one snap at safety during the regular season, it was a good thing to know he could do it if needed.
When it came to cornerback play, players were falling due to injuries again, and Ya-Sin had to fill in multiple times, starting six times. Ya-Sin overall had a good year, and he was a very valuable special teamer, posting his highest PFF grade ever.
On defense, Ya-Sin was tied for second on the team with Alex Anzalone and Brian Branch with nine pass deflections. He filled in when Arnold and D.J. Reed went down for a few weeks, and was a leader when the team had the “legion of whom” moment when they were down multiple starters in the secondary. Ya-Sin had a better year than expected, and while he wasn’t a perfect depth option, he stepped up when the team needed someone to play well in the secondary. His coverage grade was the second-highest of his career, and his defensive grades were among his best, as well.
Outlook for 2026
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent
Pros of re-signing
Bringing back Ya-Sin means the team has another veteran in the room who can continue to help Arnold and Rakestraw develop further. Both of the young players are coming off season-ending injuries, and while both are expected to be back next year, if there’s any hiccup in those plans, Ya-Sin could step in once again and start.
What makes me think he really should be re-signed is his ability to play safety. Both of the Lions’ starting safeties suffered season-ending injuries as well, and their status for the upcoming season is a bit murkier than the cornerbacks. Ya-Sin could fill in as a starting-level safety if needed, and the team loves to have players who can play in multiple positions. Having the versatility to do both gives him a better chance at returning over someone who can only do one of the positions.
Cons of re-signing
Ya-Sin is turning 30 in May, and if you want to get younger at the position, that’s the only real negative of bringing him back. If they re-sign him, that could take reps away from a young, up-and-coming cornerback.
Is there interest from both sides?
I would believe so. Ya-Sin had a solid season and the coaching staff clearly trusted him a one of the primary reserves.
The only way I think he moves on is if he believes he deserves to be a starter instead of a role player.
Cost?
Last year, Ya-Sin was paid at the veteran minimum ($1.17M), which will bump up to about $1.3 million this season. His price tag isn’t likely to jump too high, as he earned a $4 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023—the highest he’s earned as a free agent. I believe he deserves a fair pay bump that could be around $2 to $2.5 million on another one-year deal. If the Lions believe he can be a long-term stay, I wouldn’t be upset at a two-year deal for $4 to $4.5 million.
Conclusion
Overall, I believe Detroit should bring back Ya-Sin on at least a one-year deal. He’s a helpful veteran cornerback that the team needs due to the uncertainty of the health in the secondary. Whether it’s at safety or cornerback, Ya-Sin is a serviceable backup that can spot start. He would be cheap, too, and the team needs some cheap options with their salary cap issues. If I were Holmes, I would make it a quick priority to bring Ya-Sin back and bolster up your defensive back room.
What do you think the Lions should do with Rock Ya-Sin? Vote in the poll below and let us know in the comments.
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