New Lions cornerback Amik Robertson is brimming with swagger

Whatever Amik Robertson lacks in height, the 5-foot-8 cornerback makes up in swagger. The Detroit Lions are banking on their newest cornerback's undeniable confidence to help their revamped secondary in 2024.

"That’s what got me here. That’s what got me here and that’s what’s keeping me in this league," Robertson said Monday in a video call with Detroit reporters. "Five-eight, coming from Louisiana Tech, like come on, man. It’s not easy. But being a confident guy and playing with that swagger, playing with that energy, that’s what got me here."

The Lions signed Robertson, 25, to a twoyear, $9.25 million deal last week to play a tobe-determined role in 2024.

Robertson played both outside and slot cornerback during his four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, and made starts at both positions while intercepting two passes last season.

He said Monday he does not have a preference where he lines up on the field.

“I’m a football player, man," he said. "I wish I would have known what I know now as far as being ahead of the game, that (way) I could learn safety so I could be playing safety . ... Wherever you put me on the field, I’ll do what I can to fit in with myself and the position to make plays and continue to be successful."

The Lions return 3/5ths of their starting secondary from a defense ranked 27th in the league against the pass last season, and are counting on Robertson and new addition Carlton Davis to add depth and playmaking to the group.

Davis, acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, projects as the Lions' No. 1 cornerback opposite Cam Sutton. Robertson should play at least a backup role both inside and out. The Lions also return slot cornerback Brian Branch and safeties Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu, who finished last season as a starter, and re-signed cornerback Emmanuel Moseley in free agency.

Robertson said he has "something in mind" for his role this fall, but wants to "let the cards fall where they fall."

"They know I can play, they know what I can do but at the end of the day, man, I want to earn it and that’s what it’s about at the Lions, earning it," he said. "Earning the trust from the fans, the organization, the players, most importantly, and the coaches. I just want to go in, compete, build with my teammates, help them, them to help me. I’m willing to learn. I’m always an open book."

Robertson had four interceptions with 19 starts over the past two seasons, and 14 picks in his college career at Louisiana Tech.

A high school receiver, he said he's always prided himself on his ball skills.

"I remember my coach at Louisiana Tech, he told me you don’t get your name in the paper for getting PBUs. You get your name in the paper for catching picks," he said.

And he said he has big goals in mind for his time in Detroit.

"I just can’t wait to go out there and bond and build brotherhood to this amazing organization," he said. "I know y’all won a lot of games last year so I can’t say (I'm going to) help you guys win a lot of games. I would say try to at least help us win the big one."