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Detroit Lions: Evaluating the 2019 Free Agent Class

By Jeremy Friedrichs

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver Danny Amendola #80 of the Detroit Lions reacts after scoring a 47 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Lions and Cardinals tied 27-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver Danny Amendola #80 of the Detroit Lions reacts after scoring a 47 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Lions and Cardinals tied 27-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Justin Coleman

Position: Cornerback

Age: 26

Contract terms: Signed through 2022, $36 million ($17.9 million guaranteed)

2019 statistics through 15 games: 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 50 tackles

Analysis: Despite not necessarily being a household name, Coleman also seemed like an excellent fit in Detroit, for a number of reasons. His years under Patricia in New England, his strong play in the slot in a pass-happy league and his shared hometown roots with Lions co-defensive backs Darius Slay and Tracy Walker made sense. The Lions proceeded to make him the highest-paid nickel cornerback in the NFL.

The results have been uneven, and at times downright bad. Coleman had some excellent performances early in the season, including impressive showings against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and Green Bay Packers. As the season progressed and the defensive injuries continued to mount, Coleman’s play fell off precipitously.

Coleman was torched by receiver Stefon Diggs in a Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, particularly on a game-clinching ___ reception. Coleman also struggled mightily against wideout Anthony Miller in a Thanksgiving Day defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bears.

When not asked to do too much, like playing outside for extended periods of time or covering some of the quicker receivers in the league, Coleman is capable of being a fine complementary piece of the Lions’ secondary. Detroit is sure to try and add more talent to the cornerback unit this offseason, and that could actually work to Coleman’s benefit.

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