The Detroit Lions have announced that they are re-signing corner Marcus Cooper to a 1-year contract. It was first reported by NFL Insider Adam Caplan.
The Lions were awarded Cooper off of waivers last November and he played in four of the teams final five games recording one tackle and a forced fumble. Cooper injured his back ahead of Week 15, limiting him to only 36 defensive snaps and 34 special teams snaps in 2108, but received high marks in that limited time, earning a grade of 90.2 from Pro Football Focus.
Cooper has the height (6-2), length and speed (4.45) combo the Lions prefer at outside corner and should give the team veteran depth, while also challenging for a starting spot.
For now, Cooper’s experience (28 career starts) may give him the early edge to start over Mike Ford and Teez Tabor, but it’s also very likely the Lions aren’t done adding to the position, as the NFL Draft has several appeals options, including full QIB qualifiers Amani Oruwariye (Penn State), Justin Layne (Michigan State), David Long (Michigan), Julian Love (Notre Dame), JoeJuan Williams (Vanderbilt) and Isaiah Johnson (Houston).
The Lions could also still add corners via free agency as Bashaud Breeland, Darqueeze Denard and Morris Claiborne are potential upgrade options still on the market.
