Detroit Lions sign former Seahawk DeShawn Shead
The Detroit Lions add another piece to their defensive secondary, inking former Seattle Seahawks cornerback DeShawn Shead to a one-year deal.
With the NFL’s new year starting up, as well as free agency on Wednesday, the Detroit Lions have been relativity cautious out of the gate. Although they have had a slew of visits from free agent veterans, specifically running backs, the Lions have steered away from the bigger splash signings.
Instead, Detroit has went about the business of securing some of their own free agent players in linebacker Nick Bellore, cornerback Nevin Lawson and safety Tavon Wilson. The Lions did reach into the free agency market early to secure deals with linebackers Devon Kennard and Christian Jones.
But the Motor City also lost many of their own free agents to other teams this week. Former Lions like defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, tight end Darren Fells, cornerback D.J. Hayden and defensive back Don Carey will all play elsewhere in 2018. Throw in former first round disappointment Eric Ebron as well, as the Lions opted to release the veteran tight end on Wednesday.
With new head coach Matt Patricia at the helm, and young general manager Bob Quinn having something to prove, the Lions have now made yet another signing to add to this Detroit defense. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Detroit has inked former Seattle Seahawks’ cornerback DeShawn Shead to a one-year, $3.5 million deal. That contract can balloon up to $6.5 million if Shead meets certain incentives.
Next: Lions’ premature free agency review, grades
A member of the now-defunct Legion of Boom, the 28-year old Shead had a breakout season in 2016 recording 81 total tackles, 14 passes defended and one interception while starting in 15 games for Seattle. Unfortunately, the 6-foot-2, 212 pound corner suffered an ACL injury in the postseason and his recovery limited him to just two games in 2017. Shead will likely compete with Lawson and former second rounder Teez Tabor for a starting role in Detroit this season.