Christian Izien might not have anticipated that he'd be slated to start for the Detroit Lions when he signed a one-year deal with the team this offseason, but that surely looks to be his path to playing time.
With injuries still impacting both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, a formidable safety duo when healthy, the Lions had to shore up their safety room as effectively, and cheaply, as possible. With so many extensions impending for the team and kicking in over the next few seasons, their additions on the margins have to matter.
Izien, and fellow safety signee Chuck Clark, fit that bill. And, ahead of Lions training camp, it's clear that Izien has an opportunity to look like one of the NFL's best bargain signings.
Izien can become one of the NFL's best bargain signings
Izien and Clark had been taking starters snaps in OTAs and minicamp, with Clark standing out as a leader for the Lions defense already. Of course, pads haven't gone on just yet, so the barometer for success isn't totally clear. But, if Clark is already looking comfortable in the Lions' system, then it's just up to Izien to secure that other safety spot.
From LionsonSI and John Maakaron on Izien's impact:
"Speaking with a majority of teams I spoke with in free agency, my versatility was always brought up. I know how much that's valued in this league," Izien told reporters when he signed with his new team. "Only 53 guys can dress, and having the ability to play multiple positions out there is always an addition to a team and is going to be something teams look for."
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Izien can play safety or in the slot, which could be big for a Lions defense looking to revitalize their nickel position. After the departure of Amik Robertson in free agency, Detroit could use someone like Izien to fill the role of a roaming defender in coverage who can cover anywhere on the field.
FOX Sports' Greg Auman added fuel to the Izien fire, as well, posting to Twitter/X:
“Izien was invaluable as someone who could step in anywhere in the secondary, but if Bucs see him as a backup and special teams guy, he’s going to want a shot at a larger role somewhere else. Minimum deal says he didn’t have a huge market, but he’s overcome that before.”
This is about as "prove-it" of a deal that a deal could be. Izien is ready to hit the ground running for the Lions as their starting safety, at minimum, and can provide snaps elsewhere in their thinned-out secondary.
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