The Detroit Lions recently released veteran cornerback Nevin Lawson. Now a report says the team intends on signing free agent slot corner Justin Coleman.
The Detroit Lions headed into the offseason knowing they needed to beef up their defense. Specifically, finding more cornerbacks to pair with Pro Bowl defensive back Darius Slay. And after the Lions opted to release veteran cornerback Nevin Lawson over the weekend, that need only increased.
It now appears the Lions are well on their way to filling that void. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Detroit intends to sign free agent cornerback Justin Coleman to a four-year, $36 million deal. That would make Coleman the highest paid slot corner in the league.
Originally an undrafted rookie out of Tennessee in 2015, Coleman would spend time with the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks before landing with the New England Patriots his rookie year.
Coleman played his first two seasons in New England under now Lions’ head coach Matt Patricia as the Pats’ defensive coordinator. So, this move reunites Coleman with Patricia in the Motor City and helps to provide the team with more talent at the cornerback position.
In 2017, the Seahawks traded a seventh-round selection to the Patriots for Coleman. And he would have his best season that year, posting 42 tackles, nine pass defends and two interceptions. Both picks went for defensive touchdowns.
The 25-year old has only started in a total of 13 games during in his four-year career, which is not unusual for a nickel corner. Last season, Coleman recorded 55 total tackles, 10 pass defends, one forced fumble and one interception while starting in five games for the Seahawks.
The Detroit Lions are likely not done addressing the position. They still need to find a starter to play opposite of Darius Slay on the outside. Unless Detroit plans on shifting Justin Coleman out of the slot, the Lions have more work to do in securing their secondary.