The Cleveland Browns are not planning on tendering restricted free agent Briean Boddy-Calhoun, according to reports out of the combine. That leaves a versatile young defensive back free to hit the open market.
Boddy-Calhoun is a player Bob Quinn and the Lions definitely need to consider in free agency.
Positional versatility is Boddy-Calhoun’s calling card. He started 22 games over the last three seasons for the Browns, getting the nod at outside CB, slot CB and free safety. His best role is in the slot against quicker-than-fast wideouts, but he proved capable of being a centerfield-type safety in small doses as well.
His career has been marked by inconsistency. It’s a big reason why the Browns are moving on from the former undrafted free agent from Minnesota. His low-end play can be rough (see the Browns vs. Oakland and Denver last year). But his playmaking panache and ability to fill in capably at multiple spots make Boddy-Calhoun an optimal No. 4 CB/No. 4 safety, and he’s got the special teams experience requisite for playing that role that a rookie likely will not.
The plucky, engaging Boddy-Calhoun will not break the bank to fill a role the Lions currently need but don’t have enough draft picks to fill. He’s a low-key option who can really help the Detroit defense.
