Lions Trade for Safety Andre Cisco

The Detroit Lions added veteran safety Andre Cisco to their roster on Monday by trading a 2028 sixth-round pick to the New York Jets. Cisco, who previously played for the Jacksonville Jaguars as a 2021 third-round selection, is currently on an expiring contract with New York.

The acquisition provides Detroit with experienced depth in the secondary without surrendering capital from the upcoming draft. Cisco has made 59 career starts, though his role has been limited this season. He has started four games in nine appearances for the Jets, often backing Dane Belton and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

In the final eight games of the 2025 season, Cisco started all eight contests before a torn pectoral muscle ended his year. His recent playing time with New York has dwindled. Since the Lions defeated the Jets 31-24 in Week 3, Cisco has played just 22 defensive snaps across six games. During that Week 3 matchup, he recorded a sack and six tackles in 65 snaps.

Cisco brings specific tactical knowledge to Detroit’s coaching staff. Current cornerbacks coach Deshea Townsend served as a cornerbacks coach and passing game coordinator for the Jaguars from 2022 to 2023, the period when Cisco was a starter. Additionally, the Lions’ defensive scheme under coordinator Kelvin Sheppard shares DNA with the system implemented by former coordinator and current Jets head coach Aaron Glenn.

The move addresses a secondary need, although cornerbacks were previously identified as the primary area of concern. The safety group has been recovering from injuries. Avonte Maddox is out for the season, but Brian Branch has played in three games since returning from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Kerby Joseph is in his second full week of practice and may be activated within two weeks. Thomas Harper, injured before Week 3, is also expected to return soon.

With Chuck Clark and rookie Keith Abney II already performing well, the addition of Cisco creates a crowded safety room. Detroit may use the veteran to ease Joseph into his return through rotational play. Cisco has limited experience as a nickel cornerback, playing only six snaps in that role this season according to Pro Football Focus. He could also serve as a sub linebacker, pairing with Branch and Clark or Joseph in specific packages.

Cisco’s ability to cover space and his range offer Sheppard flexibility in scheme design. The Lions plan to have Cisco join practice starting Wednesday with the goal of making him game-ready for this week’s contest. However, the Jets do not have a bye week until Week 13. If Cisco plays every remaining game with Detroit, he would log 18 games this season, which is high for a player on an expiring contract.

Detroit travels to Germany this week to face the New England Patriots. Head coach Dan Campbell may hold Cisco out of that game to avoid rushing his return, potentially debuting him next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The trade leaves the Lions with remaining needs at cornerback or linebacker, particularly with Jack Campbell out. The move is a low-risk acquisition that adds depth but does not fully solve the defensive unit's issues.