Rashaan Melvin
Position: Cornerback
Age: 30
Contract terms: Signed through 2019, $2.15 million
2019 statistics through 15 games: 0 interceptions, 59 tackles
Analysis: Yet another former Patriot, Melvin was looking for a bounce-back season under his former defensive coordinator after a rough 2018 with the Oakland Raiders. The Lions’ scheme is predicated on depth and playmaking from their secondary, particularly their cornerbacks. Melvin seemed like a good addition while trying to attain that goal.
His play has been average at best, and at times poor. He’s had trouble staying with some of the more athletic and talented receivers that he’s been tasked with covering. A lack of consistent pass rush from the players in front of him has added to his overall middling play.
Will he be back next year? That seems to depend entirely on how the Lions address the cornerback position this offseason. If the price is right, and the secondary is still in need of a veteran presence, he could be back at a reasonable price as a depth piece.
How do you feel about the Lions’ 2019 free agents’ performance? Let us know in the comments section below.