Lions Add Safety Andre Cisco in Deadline Deal With Jets
Detroit receives the 26-year-old veteran and gives up a 2028 sixth-round selection to address a weak pass defense.
By Harvey Wilson ·
The Detroit Lions acquired veteran safety Andre Cisco from the New York Jets on Monday. The trade occurred one day before the NFL's annual deadline. Detroit sent a 2028 sixth-round draft pick to New York in return for the player. CBS Sports reported the terms based on information from multiple sources.
Cisco is 26 years old and was selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played four seasons in Florida before signing with the Jets for the 2025 campaign. In New York last season, he started 12 games out of 17 appearances. The 6-foot, 210-pound safety is currently playing his final year of that contract.
This season, Cisco has started four games and appeared in nine total contests for the Jets. He has recorded 23 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup. The Jets currently hold a 2-7 record. Cisco joins a Lions squad that has won six of its first eight games. Detroit is competing for a playoff spot, aiming for its third appearance in the last four years.
The Lions' secondary has struggled throughout the 2026 season. The unit ranks last in the NFL, allowing 2,087 passing yards and 18 touchdown passes. However, the defense has performed better in recent weeks. Detroit held the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins to 17 points or fewer in their last three games. During that span, the secondary allowed an average of just 200 passing yards per game.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes made the move to add depth to the defensive backfield. CBS Sports graded the trade a B minus for Detroit. The outlet noted that while the deal is not flashy, it addresses a clear need. The analysis suggested the move was partly motivated by a desire to show activity at the deadline.
New York general manager Darren Mougey received a C minus grade for the transaction. The Jets parted with a player who was playing out his contract for a future pick. CBS Sports questioned whether New York could have secured a selection in the current draft year given Detroit's defensive struggles. The Jets will not benefit from the trade until the 2028 NFL Draft.
The trade is the first major personnel move between the two teams this week. Detroit aims to stabilize its pass defense before the postseason push. New York seeks future assets to rebuild its roster.
