Detroit Lions cut Nevin Lawson; New direction at cornerback

The Detroit Lions have committed to going a different direction at cornerback in 2019 with the release of veteran Nevin Lawson on Sunday.

One of the biggest needs for the Detroit Lions heading into this offseason was to find themselves a starting cornerback that could play opposite of Pro Bowler Darius Slay. That didn’t bode well for the future of last year’s starter, Nevin Lawson.

And on Sunday, Lawson’s fate was sealed in the Motor City. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions are releasing the five-year veteran defensive back who started 14 games for Detroit last season. Lawson was originally a fourth-round selection out of Utah State by Motown back in 2014.

The 27-year old Lawson started a total of 54 games during his time in Detroit and was the primary starter opposite of Slay for the past three seasons. He’s also failed to record a single interception during his entire NFL career so far.

Just last offseason, Lawson signed a two-year, $9.2 million deal to remain in Detroit. By releasing him now, the Lions save themselves $4.67 million against their salary cap. Those monies could go a long way in securing a big name free agent when the market opens this week.

But the loss of Lawson also puts a much brighter spotlight on the cornerback position in the Motor City. The Lions have several inexperienced corners on their current roster, with former 2017 second round pick Teez Tabor highlighting the group. Although Detroit has not giving up on Tabor as a potential starter, his lack of development over the past two years makes him a dark horse candidate to assume the role in 2019.

It seems more likely that the Detroit Lions will look to free agency or the upcoming draft to find a starter at corner for this upcoming season. The Lions figure to be players when the free agent market opens up this week and they also possess the eighth overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.