4 potential veteran cut candidates for the Lions this spring
Justin Coleman
Position: Cornerback
Age: 27
2020 statistics: 11 games played, 30 total tackles
2021 base salary: $8.95 million
Signed through: 2022
Much like the Lions’ other defensive positional groups, their cornerbacks did not meet expectations in 2020. Not even close, actually, despite some major resources having been dedicated to the unit in recent years.
Coleman was brought in by former general manager Bob Quinn and former head coach Matt Patricia to help the Lions to continue to import the style that all three shared during their time with the New England Patriots. Like many current Lions who followed the same path, he didn’t do enough to prevent the Lions’ defense from surrendering the most yards and points in team history last year.
Coleman is nominally a slot cornerback, which is a valued position in many different systems. However, incoming Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn often used a safety in nickel situations during his time as the New Orleans Saints’ defensive backs coach. It remains to be seen how comfortable he would be using Coleman in that role instead of an additional safety.
Notwithstanding, Coleman simply hasn’t been very good in his two seasons in Detroit. In that time, he’s surrendered 10 touchdowns, a completion percentage of over 70%, and a passer rating of almost 119.0 when targeted according to Pro Football Reference.
He also hasn’t recorded an interception since Week 6 of 2019. Underwhelming numbers from one of the league’s highest-paid slot corners. Though his age isn’t necessarily a concern at this point – he will be 28 at the beginning of next season – his durability may be; he missed five games due to injury last year.
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The Lions can save nearly $12 million if they cut Coleman this offseason. Should they do so, it would signal a major shift in defensive philosophy, and it would increase the pressure on young corners Jeff Okudah and Amani Oruwaruiye, who also scuffled for much of 2020.
All salary cap figures courtesy of Spotrac