The Kansas City Chiefs, AFC juggernauts, are targeting Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, sources tell ESPN. After a 15-2 season ended in a playoff loss to Washington, Lions GM Brad Holmes is playing hardball, rejecting Kansas City’s initial offer for the versatile defender.
Robertson shone as Detroit’s nickel corner in 2024, stepping up after Carlton Davis’ Week 15 jaw injury. He limited Vikings’ Justin Jefferson to three catches in a Week 18 win, earning praise from coach Dan Campbell. His 56.9% completion rate allowed and three forced fumbles (PFF) made him vital—until a playoff arm injury.
The Chiefs, needing secondary depth, see Robertson fitting Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive scheme. Kansas City offered a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 conditional sixth, per X’s @NFL_DovKleiman. Holmes, however, wants a third-rounder or a player like DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, sources say.
Holmes’ stance reflects Detroit’s depth concerns. With Davis now a Patriot, D.J. Reed’s three-year, $48 million deal anchors the secondary alongside Terrion Arnold. But Robertson’s role remains key, as Reddit’s r/detroitlions notes: “Trading Amik for scraps? Holmes isn’t falling for it!”
Robertson’s $6.4 million cap hit (Spotrac) in his contract’s final year makes him tradable, but Detroit’s $42.36 million cap allows flexibility. Cutting Josh Paschal could free more room, per Pride of Detroit. Chiefs need Robertson to counter AFC passers like Josh Allen.
Lions fans back Holmes’ toughness. @LionsPride tweets: “No cheap deals for Amik!” Kansas City may up their offer with a higher pick, but Holmes’ history—snagging Reed, drafting Arnold—shows he won’t budge easily.
The talks could heat up draft week. For now, Robertson’s a Lion, and Holmes’ message is clear: pay premium for talent. Will the Chiefs meet Detroit’s price?
