Detroit Lions Sign Free Agent CB R.J. Stanford

The Detroit Lions announced that they have signed free agent CB R.J. Stanford

Stanford was formerly a Miami Dolphin, from 2012-2014. Last season he played in five games (one start) where he recorded nine tackles, one interception, and two passes defended. Mind you, he did not play the entire 2014 season. In fact, he was signed back to the team with five weeks left in the season and started during his first game back. He was originally drafted in the seventh round and then let go by the Carolina Panthers following the 2011 season.

Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

Eric Decker

(87) can not hold onto a catch during the first quarter against Miami Dolphins defensive back R.J. Stanford (41) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

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While not exactly a standout name, he is a solid corner to add to the stable of corners competing for a spot on the 53-man roster. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing in at 187lbs, he is a small and agile corner.

Now, Nevin Lawson‘s name might come into play here, and he is supposedly healthy and ready to go. But, maybe Austin is trying to create some competition for a nickel corner spot? Or maybe, the coaching staff just likes what they have seen on game film from him? For all we know, he is a camp body to have on the field.

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Regardless the reason for the signing, he is a Detroit Lion now, for the time being. It’s quite obvious by looking at the Detroit Lions current roster, that they live by the philosophy of “You can never have enough corners”. Stanford makes the seventh cornerback on the roster at this point in time.

So, along with names like Quandre Diggs and Alex Carter, Stanford will be yet another guy to keep an eye on in the following weeks in training camp and during preseason games. Let’s wait and see how this pans out. And the excitement for the season builds…


Mark DeGain is a columnist for FanSided and SideLionReport.com. For continued Detroit Lions news, rumors and analysis, be sure to follow both him and SLR on twitter at @Mark_DeGain_SLR and @SideLionReport.

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