The Detroit Lions announced that they have signed cornerback Jamar Summers and released cornerback Marcus Cooper in a corresponding move.
After going undrafted in 2018, Summers signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2019, he joined the AAF’s Birmingham Iron where he earned a Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grade of 90.7 in his debut. He would finish the AAF season with an overall PFF grade of 77.6, registering three interceptions and six pass breakups on 33 targets, per PFF’s Brett Whitefield.
Summers turned his AAF success in a 2019 offseason contract with the Miami Dolphins but was released in July.
The Lions claimed Cooper off of waivers from the Chicago Bears in 2018 after the Thanksgiving game. Cooper played well enough — before landing on injured reserve — to land a 2019 contract with the Lions and appeared to be in good shape with the team after a nice showing at OTAs and minicamp.
Unfortunately, Cooper struggled to stay healthy in fall training camp and never found his footing enough to challenge for a roster spot. He was passed by several young corners on the roster, including fifth-round rookie Amani Oruwariye.
Cooper’s pro career isn’t likely over and once he is healthy he will surely get another shot in the NFL.
